Absolute Abu Dhabi

Elegance and simplicity are the key features of this exceptional house in Abu Dhabi, designed from the ground up by UDesign.

The design of this Abu Dhabi villa is a masterpiece of simple geometric lines, incorporating elements of traditional Arabic design such as arches, circles and slatted windows into the clean lines and simple shapes of contemporary minimalism. The result, although barely noticeable from afar, is a magnificent horizonal structure using stone, wood and glass to perfection, almost see-through in places, surrounded by palm trees that both decorate and provide shade in the hot climate. The villa, which is located on a riverbank with views of the city, also provides for views of the sea beyond the marshes.

The main entrance is glass framed in glass framed in glass, the entire unit running from ground level to the top of the second floor, with simple vertical shapes breaking the horizontal lines of the structure that might otherwise be excessively minimalist.

Water is one of the essential elements in this design, almost encircling the villa. The water features at the front are decorative, cooling the house both visually and in fact, while the family pool is located to one side, forming part of the main family living area. A fountain at the front entrance allows for the sound of water to be heard at all times, which in itself is an age-old method of keeping cool, used extensively by the Moors in Spain for many centuries.

The materials used throughout are mostly natural, with coloured granite that matches the extensive use of wood, inside and outside. The slatted wood surrounding the facade can be opened and closed as temperature and sun position demands, and they provide privacy when required, as well as security, given that when closed, they seal off the entire building. White Corian, a manufactured eco-friendly and long-lasting material, is used extensively throughout the structure, and all exterior glass is tinted to ensure privacy and to protect from the sun. The ceilings inside are also of wood, to balance the white Corian on the outside.

To further protect from the sun and heat of this location, the architects have drawn inspiration from the traditional desert tent, using what looks like a flysheet over the whole structure, but which is, in fact, an essential part of the structure itself. It has a circular aperture directly over the entrance area, allowing extra light in where needed.

Simplicity and the desire to live with, not work against, the environment are the key features of this unique villa. From a distance, you see it if you look, but you don’t see much. You get up close, and the sheer beauty of the lines and shapes prompts you to ask: What’s it like inside?

That’s for another day.

The UDesign showroom is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am till 6 pm. Pol. Ind. San Pedro Alcántara, Calle Luxemburgo Esq. Calle Turquía, Local 4, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga. Tel: (+34) 952 794 117 Email: info@udesign.es  Website: udesign.es