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Alhammadi Haus Private Residence by Drew Gilbert

Alhammadi Haus Private Residence by Drew Gilbert is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Competition Category.


BronzeArchitecture· 2024

Alhammadi Haus Private Residence

by Drew Gilbert

Client: DGD - Drew Gilbert Design

Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Architecture Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Alhammadi Haus Private Residence

Nestled in serene surroundings, the bespoke villa embodies architectural excellence and personal style. Designed with sustainability in mind, it features practical elements like solar panels, xeriscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems. Inside, smart home technology offers convenient control over lighting, temperature, and security. Constructed with durable materials like natural stone and concrete, the villa ensures longevity. Every piece of furniture is carefully selected to complement the space, reflecting the owner's taste and lifestyle. Curating ethereal expiences for all visitors.

The Recognition

About the Bronze A' Design Award

Alhammadi Haus Private Residence is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Alhammadi Haus Private Residence is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Alhammadi Haus Private Residence splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.

Interviews

Design Interview

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The design is guided by the principle of harmonizing architecture with its environment, achieving a balance between functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic refinement. The idea was to create spaces that feel timeless and purposeful, where every element contributes to a sense of clarity and connection. Inspired by the local context, the design reinterprets traditional principles of light, shade, and privacy, transforming them into modern expressions that respond to the needs of today while respecting the heritage of the region.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

The focus of this design was to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and the environment, where every element contributes to a sense of purpose and timelessness. The goal was to craft a residence that prioritizes functionality while fostering a deeper connection to its natural and cultural context. By blending clean, modern lines with the textures of natural materials, and by carefully orchestrating light, shadow, and spatial flow, the design seeks to elevate daily living while responding intelligently to its surroundings.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

The future of this award-winning design lies in its ability to act as a catalyst for innovation and inspiration. It serves as a model for how architecture can balance sustainability, functionality, and beauty while respecting its context. My goal is to adapt and evolve the principles established in this project—efficiency, adaptability, and harmony with nature—for broader applications, encouraging a dialogue about what architecture can achieve in different environments and at varying scales.

Read the Full Interview

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
The bespoke villa design is a reflection of the owner's taste, personality, and lifestyle. It incorporates sustainable elements such as solar panels, xeriscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems, reducing environmental impact and energy costs. Smart home technology enables remote control of lighting, temperature, and security. High-quality materials such as natural stone and exposed concrete ensure durability. Bespoke furnishings throughout the home.
Dimensions & Packaging
6,000 square feet BUA, Ground Floor only
Tags
Villa, Sustainable Design, Smart Home Technology, High-quality Materials, Bespoke, Energy Efficiency, Exceptional Living Experience, Innovation
Production Technology
The project was created using a combination of advanced computational design techniques and traditional geometrical principles. Utilizing parametric modeling to generate and optimize the geometry of the structure, resulting in a highly efficient and structurally sound elements. An extensive research was conducted on sustainable materials and systems, incorporating features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
Design Challenge
The greatest challenge in this design project was striking a balance between the client's preferences and the necessity for sustainability and innovation. Developing a design that reflected the client's taste and lifestyle while integrating sustainable materials and systems. There were also external challenges like the scarcity of certain materials, regulations for constructing in ecologically sensitive areas, and the need to adhere to the client's budget.
Research
The project's research delved into the nuances of desert haus architecture, exploring elements and materiality to authentically capture the style's essence. This involved a comprehensive study of xeriscaping techniques to minimize water consumption for landscape elements, aligning the design with sustainable practices. Additionally, research extended to climate-responsive design strategies, local flora, and innovative construction methods to enhance the villa's connection with its arid surroundings while promoting environmental consciousness.
Inspiration
The signature villa is a tribute to desert haus architecture, featuring a single-story layout for creative freedom. Inspired by the desert style, it emphasizes rich textures, framed moments, and a harmonious connection to the landscape. Natural material and exposed concrete add nuanced richness, while thoughtful volumetric play ensures both aesthetic appeal and functional flow. The result is a unique and inspiring living space that embodies simplicity and celebrates the spirit of the desert.
Project Duration
The project started in 2023, and finished in 2024, and is located in Al Awir, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Operation Flow
The villa utilizes innovative technology that allows for more efficient and effective performance. Capturing effortless elegance and beauty.
Team Members
Drew Gilbert

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