The id Design Awards 2018 shortlist: Residential Exterior
Discover the architects and designers behind these world-class exteriors.
Designed to reflect the region’s love of contemporary architecture – and local traditions – these residential exteriors are the epitome of style and substance. From towers that achieve new aesthetic heights, to castles in the sky designed to accommodate the needs of the local environment, these exteriors are at the forefront of innovation.
K3
Mustafa Khamash / Kart Group
The Kart Group’s Mustafa Khamash transformed the outdoor area of a residential palace into a harmonious oasis that maximises the privacy of the familial dwelling.
From the arched passage inspired by Moorish architecture to the decorative carved wooden panels reminiscent of traditional Arabic mashrabiya screens, the ambience is luxurious and peaceful.
Amidst citrus trees, frangipani, date palms and trickling waters are diverse typologies of spaces – semi- enclosed patios, lounges, swings, solarius, majlis, and semi-vaulted alcoves, – that invite the family to spend time together, socialize over a refreshing coffee in the Majlis.
Sky Towers
AE7
The Sky Towers project consists of twin 22-story residential towers located in Dubai’s Umm Ramool neighbourhood.
Situated just a short distance from the Dubai International Airport, both towers offer a ground level with a variety of retail and F&B elements and a 3-level parking podium for the residents.
On-site amenities include gyms, saunas, massage rooms, swimming pools and generous outdoor terraces for leisure and family-oriented activities.
Wind Tower
AGi Architects
Wafra Vertical Housing introduced a new concept for urban living that was designed for a contemporary lifestyle in 21st century Kuwait.
There has been an increased demand for land in the city, so the transformation of single-family dwellings typologies has become a necessity. The new residences offer privacy, benefit from vertical solution amenities and enjoy a prime location. One of the main tenets of their plan was to create a building that was designed to address the local environmental needs.
To achieve this, they located the services core of the building on the southern wing to minimize sun exposure and consequently reduce energy consumption – acting as a thermal barrier to the rest of the building.
View the complete list of this year’s shortlisted projects here.
The Latest
An Integrated Approach
At DLR Group, collaboration across teams is key. We speak to Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality and Mixed-Use Director, and Vaida Buchrotaite, Principal and International Interior Design and Operations Director, on how the group shapes hospitality projects across the region
Motif Interiors completes Centrum Spaces’ Abu Dhabi coworking space
The UAE design-and-build studio delivers a Japanese-inspired coworking destination at Reem Mall, spanning 22,000 sq ft
An exploration of wood in Chattels&More’s latest collection
Chattels&More explores the timeless elegance of wood in its latest collection
Endless possibilities with the Laser Evo by iGuzzini
The brand's latest Laser Evo offers over a million design options.
Read Shaping Destinations in Design – Note from the editor
Read identity magazine's June 2026 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy
Gaggenau reveals the full range of the new Vario Cooling Expressive Series
The brand continues the evolution of the Vario cooling Expressive series with 11 new refrigeration models
Boffi|DePadova Opens in Alserkal Avenue
The brand opens a pop-up ahead of its opening
Beyond Green Walls
Noeline Conradie, Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer of SharpMinds Consulting Engineers, shares how biophilic design actually works in offices and schools
Fountains of Mercy
E+A Studio designs an urban bird feeder designed to support biodiversity where nature and city intersect
id most wanted – May 2026
This unique piece is designed by Isidro Ferrer
An Oasis of Expression
A new coffee-table book about Dubai’s beloved cultural space, Courtyard, resists neat categorisation. Part memoir, part architectural study, part visual archive, it traces the evolution of one of the city’s most enduring creative enclaves
Rhythms of Light
This villa designed by archiSENSE studio in Dubai is a masterclass in restraint, proportion, and architectural expression