Architecture

Turtle-like house comes out of its shell

Turtle-like house comes out of its shell
The home is situated in the foothills of Almaty
The home is situated in the foothills of Almaty
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A model of the home
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A model of the home 
The home is situated in the foothills of Almaty
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The home is situated in the foothills of Almaty
Shell House looks like a squat turtle with its shell-like roof
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Shell House looks like a squat turtle with its shell-like roof
Shell House has a total floorspace of 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft), spread over two floors
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Shell House has a total floorspace of 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft), spread over two floors
The home is clad in white white plaster EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems) panels and features lots of glazing
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The home is clad in white white plaster EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems) panels and features lots of glazing
The front of the house looks onto a large swimming pool
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The front of the house looks onto a large swimming pool
View of the home from the rear
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View of the home from the rear
View of the home from the rear
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View of the home from the rear
Architectural drawing of Shell House
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Architectural drawing of Shell House
Architectural drawing of Shell House, showing the home closed-off to the outside
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Architectural drawing of Shell House, showing the home closed-off to the outside
Architectural drawing of Shell House
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Architectural drawing of Shell House
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Designed by Lenz Architects, the aptly-named Shell House looks like a squat turtle with its shell-like roof. The house is located on the outskirts of Almaty, Kazakstan, and can be closed-up to the outside to increase security and privacy.

Shell House measures a total floorspace of 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft), spread over two floors. Most of this is taken up by an expansive living and dining area, which is located towards the rear of the home.

The front of the house includes a music room, a bathroom and a kitchen. There's also a relaxation room, and spiral stairs lead up to the master and guest bedroom quarters.

Shell House has a total floorspace of 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft), spread over two floors
Shell House has a total floorspace of 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft), spread over two floors

The house is glazed and allows those inside to gaze out at the local wildlife. However, it also features a neat trick: when the occupants want some privacy – say the in-laws unexpectedly turn up, for example – a set of aluminum panels can be electronically activated. These panels/shutters drop down and cover the glazing completely, making it impossible to gain access or to tell whether anyone's home.

"The main aim of the architect was to create a separate, isolated and safe space, while making it possible to enjoy the wildlife," says Lenz Architects.

Source: Lenz Architects via Arch Daily

View gallery - 11 images
1 comment
1 comment
habakak
Yaksemash! Almaty, that place made famous by Borat....