The client requested a design that fused architectural minimalism with contemporary luxury, to evoke a timeless warmth and elegance throughout a traditional home that provides both formal, public spaces and separate, private areas for the family.

Every area of the villa, including the five en-suite bedrooms, incorporates the essentials of nature: light, energy, water and air. Boundaries between inside the home and outside are blurred by extensive glass doors that highlight the landscaped views of the garden beyond.

Guests enjoy an impressive view of the pool, which features a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arabic water fountain, a symbol of welcome and hospitality. The dramatic waterfall begins at the ceramic mosaic swimming pool then flows through reflection pools that reference ancient irrigation channels.

Everything about the design of the home relates to the separation of the public and private spaces. In the dedicated family wing, privacy is of utmost importance, while a serene connection is simultaneously afforded to the outdoors. A designated family garden was designed to provide delightful views and access to nature, exclusively to be used and enjoyed from the family suites and private rooms.

Marble has been widely used for interior floors and walls. Wall claddings of Italian Botticino can be seen in the multi-level installation in the majlis areas. Luxurious materials give shape to the neutral interior architecture palette, and the quality furnishings – including pieces from Living Divani, Fendi and Porada, icons such as Giorgetti’s Hug and Eva Lounge, and bespoke upholstery from Sahco – combine with and accentuate the owner’s collection of classic Persian silk carpets.

Giorgio Palermo and Elena Gregorutti of NIU Studio

Read more features here.

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Leading UAE-based architects and designers took part in the design competition that involved conceptualising a USM configuration that responds to the needs of a hybrid environment, whether for the home, office or both. The entrants were encouraged to look to the future, as USM has for over 50 years, and present a design that delivers functionality and design that can complement today and the years ahead.

The jury included Catherine Belbin, identity Group Editor, and Eric Berchtold, USM’s Sales Director Middle East & Africa.

“MEAN’s design responds perfectly as a unit of four distinct spaces. Their attention to detail and usage of all the USM components makes it practical and it could be built immediately,” says Berchtold.

The Dubai-based designers from MEAN* studio won a three-day trip to Switzerland, including a visit to the USM Future Office.

From mid-March, the winning designs will be showcased at USM’s regional distributor showroom, One52.

‘co-cross: machine for living + working’

More images and details of the competitors’ entries will be in the April issue of identity.

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Penthouse for Miss X by The NIU Studio

The two-level, five-bedroom duplex penthouse in Dubai was redesigned to reflect the owners’ young, fresh personalities, as well as provide them with ample space to entertain and display their extensive collection of modern art. Lighting was an important part of the design with concealed ceiling lights to highlight the existing art pieces and also in additional areas to accommodate anticipated new acquisitions.

Earth tones combined with strong accent colours on the ceilings and walls provide visual contrasts to the natural Italian stone and walnut flooring. Energy efficiency was incorporated into the design by using upcycling and recycling materials, water-saving toilets, energy-efficient LED lights, double glazed windows and other environmentally responsible materials, along with living green plants and maximizing the use of natural daylight.

Penthouse for Miss X by The NIU Studio

The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island, Dubai by KCA International Designers

Ninety-six serviced apartments that range from one to four bedrooms were designed to provide a luxurious urban living environment with the aura of peace, nature and calm. The apartment’s living room layout combined naturally textured material in muted earth tones to create a calm ambience. Red accents and timber finishes create a soothing atmosphere in the bedrooms. A fully fitted bespoke modern kitchen with stone worktops, breakfast counter and highchairs tucked in on the side of the entry complement the living area.

The main lobby of the Residences welcomes guests with a majestic double-height volume, textured stone walls and monumental chandeliers. Coloured glass cleverly masks structural columns to form an entrance that leads from the reception to the elevators. Large distressed metal sliding door panels add a layer of industrial chic.

The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island, Dubai by KCA International Designers (Photo: Natelee Cocks)

Fairooz Apartment by MyPickOne

What began as a minor project expanded into a complete refurbishment of a 200 square meter apartment that united the owners’ two diverse design ethos.

The American half preferred a minimal, contemporary feel. A wall was removed to improve the functionality of the kitchen. An added island that became a focal point in the open concept space that also included the entrance and living and dining rooms.

The Ukrainian partner wanted something more colourful and decorative to reflect his culture. The bedrooms and private areas of the home come to life in the colors of the furniture and decorative accessories that reflect his vibrant heritage.

Herringbone wood flooring against plain white walls provides a consistent background. The light balance was achieved with an enhanced lighting and lighting temperature design which also highlighted the color scheme of the furniture.

Fairooz Apartment by MyPickOne

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