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A Design Journey with Sawsan Haber
In the first episode of the Oryx in Your Space series, brought to you by Oryx Doors & Windows in media partnership with identity magazine and Intelier, we step into the home of Sawsan Chammas Haber, founder of Dubai-based Dipiugi Interiors. Located in Dubai’s lush Al Barari neighbourhood, her home is a great example of how thoughtful design can seamlessly integrate interior and exterior spaces into a cohesive, balanced environment. Inspired by nature and contemporary design, Sawsan’s villa embodies clean lines, natural materials, and bold statement pieces, while maintaining a sense of warmth and livability.
At the heart of this transformation is Oryx Doors & Windows, a leading door and window manufacturer and installer operating across the Middle East and Africa. Known for their bespoke aluminium doors and glazing solutions, Oryx specialises in enhancing spatial experiences—blurring the boundaries between architecture and landscape while offering durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
We sat down with Sawsan to dive deeper into the inspiration behind her home, her experience with the Oryx team, and how these architectural elements have transformed the way she and her family interact with their space.
Sawsan Haber: My villa is bold yet beautiful, simple yet sophisticated—that’s how I see it. My main inspiration was nature, and I wanted my home to feel like a natural extension of its surroundings. You’ll find a lot of nature-inspired elements throughout the space, but in subtle ways—like the watery effect in the marble, the rain-like patterns in certain textures, and even the sculptural shapes that mimic waves and clouds. These details blend into the design, creating a connection with the lush greenery outside.
Sawsan Haber: The front door is the first thing guests see, so I wanted something that reflects the interior of the home—inviting, modern, and statement-making. I’ve worked with Oryx Doors & Windows before and always loved their quality and craftsmanship, so choosing them was an easy decision. The door itself had to be seamless and bold, yet functional and durable. I wanted the look of a single full door, even though technically, it wasn’t possible due to structural constraints. With the Oryx team’s help, we managed to achieve that sleek, uninterrupted design without major structural work.
Sawsan Haber: This was a major test, and I have to say, the door exceeded expectations. During the heavy rains, the house remained completely sealed—no water leaked in, and even on dusty days, there was no issue. That level of protection and insulation is something you don’t find everywhere, and it reinforced my confidence in Oryx’s products.
Sawsan Haber: The outdoor space is an extension of my home. I didn’t want a strict separation between inside and outside, so I made sure the backyard reflected the colours and materials used indoors. The pool tiles match my artwork, the greenery flows into the interior elements, and even the black-and-white contrast carries from inside to outside.
A key element of this space is the garden room, which is fully enclosed with Oryx’s glass sliding doors. It’s incredibly versatile—in the summer, I keep it closed with the air conditioning on so I can enjoy the garden without the heat. In winter, I open it completely, and it blends seamlessly into the outdoor space. The sliding doors are a lifesaver because they give me the flexibility to adapt the space depending on the weather.
Sawsan Haber: It was a combination of all three. I needed something that matched my design aesthetic, but at the same time, it had to be functional, easy to use, and durable. For example, the fingerprint lock on the front door has been a game-changer—it ended all the family drama about lost keys! I also wanted doors that wouldn’t compromise on insulation, and these have been amazing for keeping out dust, water, and noise. Plus, the fact that Oryx offers a lifetime warranty was a huge reassurance—it’s rare to find that level of confidence in a product.
Sawsan Haber: I always tell people that a home should reflect both its surroundings and the people living in it. When selecting elements like art or furniture, choose pieces that truly speak to you—ones that make you feel comfortable and happy.
Invest in statement pieces that bring character and timelessness to your home. A carefully curated feature piece can elevate a space without overwhelming it. And most importantly, focus on quality—if it’s something you’ll use every day, it should be built to last.
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