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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.
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.
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.
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.
OBMI and Katara Hospitality breathe new life into a 1920s royal residence, balancing heritage and modern luxury on the eucalyptus-clad slopes of Tangiers, Morocco.
Japanese craft meets contemporary design at Kiyoshi designed by Mahsa Gholizadeh
The Design Residency programme 2025 also coincides with the Year of Handicrafts as designated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture.
The interiors of the Backstage Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden echo the feeling of being behind the scenes at a great performance – rich in texture, layered in story and always with music in the background
Intimate, artistic and unforgettable, The Mellah Hotel is nestled in the heart of Marrakech's ancient medina, just steps from the magnificent Bahia Palace.
In a landmark Bud Oglesby-designed building, designer Joshua Rice crafts a warm, quietly powerful residence that honors modernist roots, personal history, and a young collector’s nuanced eye
This apartment designed by Carl Gerges features green hues throughout
BLINK Design Group has drawn deeply from the well of ancient Lingnan culture to craft a design narrative that’s rooted in tradition yet thoroughly modern at Banyan Tree Dongguan Songshan Lake in China
Tomorrowland, the world-renowned music festival, has collaborated with designer Dieter Vander Velpen and Ethnicraft through its architecture and design studio, Great Library Studio, to create a contemporary Art Nouveau furniture collection
Giorgio Armani and RAK Properties launch the first Armani-branded villas in the world
Here are the current and upcoming design-led museums in the UAE that you should know about
Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard unveil a fresh perspective on bathroom design for 2025