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Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua by Drew Gilbert

Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua by Drew Gilbert is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Arkitektura, Eraikin eta Egitura Diseinua Competition Category.


ZilarArkitektura· 2025

Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua

by Drew Gilbert

Client: Drew Gilbert Design

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Arkitektura Category

Colors

The Design

About Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua

Zen House diseinu minimalistaren adibide landua da, non argia, ura eta espazioak bizitzeko ingurune lasai eta bateratua osatzen duten. Igerileku batek etxearen antolamendua finkatzen du, olibondo batek emandako puntu fokal naturalarekin osatuta. Material-aukera pentsatuek eta arkitektura-lerro garbi batek argitasun eta lasaitasun zentzua babesten dute. Xehetasun bakoitzak helburu-lasaitasun zentzuari laguntzen dio, non ezerk ez baitu gehiegizko iruditzen eta guztiak bere lekua duen. Modu honetan, Zen House aterpetxe isil bihurtzen da, bere biztanleekin eta ingurune naturalarekin bat eginda.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Zen House Bizitegi Pribatua jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties
This bespoke villa is uniquely immersed in water, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Upon entering, the pool immediately comes into view, centered around a beautiful olive tree, setting the tone for a seamless indoor outdoor connection. As one moves further into the home, the living space appears to float within the pool, reinforcing the sense of tranquility and exclusivity.
Dimensions & Packaging
10,000 square feet BUA, ground, first floor, and rooftop
Tags
Villa, Sustainable Design, Smart Home Technology, Minimalism, High Quality Materials, Bespoke, Energy Efficiency, Exceptional Living Experience, Innovation
Production Technology
The project was developed using state of the art design tools, including lighting analysis software to optimize natural illumination and ambiance. Extensive research on sustainable materials and systems informed key design decisions, incorporating features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems to minimize environmental impact.
Design Challenge
The greatest challenge in this project was balancing the client’s vision with sustainability and innovation. The design had to reflect the client’s taste and lifestyle while integrating high performance, eco conscious materials and systems. Additional challenges included navigating material availability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing the home’s performance within Dubai’s climate conditions all while maintaining the architectural purity of the design.
Research
The research behind this project delved into the nuances of minimalist architectural design, focusing on materiality, form generation, and spatial composition to authentically capture the essence of minimalism. This involved a comprehensive study of volumetric play, emphasizing how spaces interact with light, water, and the surrounding environment. The study also explored climate responsive design strategies, leveraging natural cooling techniques and passive energy solutions to enhance comfort while reducing the building’s ecological footprint.
Inspiration
This signature villa is designed around curated moments of paradise from the way natural light penetrates the interior to the carefully selected materials and the pool that serves as the heart of the home. The design embraces minimalism, offering clean, elegant lines while maximizing enjoyment. Creative freedom defines every aspect, ensuring that the home is both a tranquil retreat and a bold architectural statement.
Project Duration
The project started in 2024 and was completed in 2025, located in Nadd Al Shiba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Operation Flow
The villa integrates advanced smart home systems, solar panels, and thick walls for thermal mass, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability. The spatial flow is natural and intuitive, reinforcing the effortless elegance and beauty of the home.
Team Members
Drew Gilbert

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