OPAL's Elemental House: Sculptural Dwelling in Wooded Terrain

OPAL has completed Elemental, a sculptural residence for a family of four in a forested setting. The house features dark rectangular volumes with large floor-to-ceiling windows that create a lantern-like effect against the dark cladding. The L-shaped plan separates the entrance and vehicles from a private patio. Circulation is organized along two axes: one for communal areas, one for bedrooms. A flexible second floor serves as office, studio, playroom, and gym. The exterior uses shou sugi ban charred wood, contrasting with a bright interior finished with local white ash. The 192-square-meter house is fully electric and built to Passive House standards, with airtight sealing, high insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and triple glazing, achieving an EUI of 12.87 kBtu/ft² before renewable energy offsets.