Articles by Hadir Al Koshta

The Folly is an extraordinary architectural project born from a client’s desire for a space dedicated to contemplation and meditation, free from any predetermined program. Inspired by conversations around iconic structures like the Jantar Mantar, the step-wells of India, and the Parthenon, the design of The Folly aims to evoke a sense of connection with ancient architectural marvels while celebrating light and the four elements: earth, fire, wind, and water.

Location
- Nestled in a secluded valley in southwest Iceland, the holiday home is situated on a site defined by untouched natural vegetation, including mountain birch, heather, and grass. The terrain slopes gently southward and borders a large lake, offering dramatic views across the water toward distant mountains.

A courtyard house in Lomé’s Adakpame district built with compressed earth blocks. Initially designed as the home for two brothers on a piece of land in Lomé inherited from their mother, the project transformed into the Adakpame Guesthouse in the course of the design process. This dual purpose of second home and short-term rental property befits the usage of many homes built by the Togolese diaspora, who often build a house in their home country and start splitting their time between two places.

In the heart of a remarkable alpine landscape, the Joséphine Baker student residence forges a close connection with its environment through an architecture that combines precise volumes and a dialogue between materials. Driven by a bioclimatic design, the project preserves the spirit and richness of the site. Renewable energy, summer comfort, and the choice of sustainable construction materials are emphasised, contributing to exemplary energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint.

“What you see is the result of a collaborative journey between three fields: education, architecture, and fabrication. The educational perspective guided us in designing a school that responds to the needs of children in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology, fostering instead a connection to nature. The architects shaped forms, spaces, and light that make every living being—children, plants, and animals—feel recognized and alive.” – Pascale Setbon, LLS Founder

In 2021, Olaf Gipser Architects, in collaboration with Self-build Cooperative BSH20A, contractor Heutink Groep, and Smartland landscape architecture, completed Stories in Amsterdam – a pioneering collective self-build project. Built largely from early adopted cross-laminated timber (CLT) and PEFC certified wood, with a negative carbon balance and using ‘Open Building’ principles to assure longevity, the 45-meter-high green tower addresses the challenge of communal, high-density, sustainable, and healthy urban living.

The Blondie Space project is a 70 sq. m apartment in Minsk for busy clients who need a minimalist, airy pied-à-terre. The core concept was to overcome the spatial limitations of a standard new-build apartment—with its low ceilings and compact footprint—and create a profound sense of spaciousness, light, and tranquility. The inspiration drew from a strict minimalist ethos, focusing on a muted material palette, custom-designed asymmetric furniture, and bold art objects to add character without visual clutter.

As everywhere else, demand for childcare and, beyond that, advice and support for families is growing in Nenzing. Close to the town centre, the market town has now combined these two functions in one building: the ‘Allesamt’ family centre with childcare, a nursery, and a spacious advice area for parents and families. Anyone travelling by train in Walgau will certainly have seen the new building as they pass by. The striking wooden building designed by Christian Schmoelz Architekt is located just before or shortly after Nenzing railway station, directly on the railway line.