Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe by Drew Gilbert

Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe by Drew Gilbert is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha in Nhazi Ụlọ Owu, Ụlọ na Ihe Owuwu Competition Category.

ỌlaọchaỤlọ Owu· 2025

Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe

by Drew Gilbert

Client: Drew Gilbert Design

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha Winner in Ụlọ Owu Category

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The Design

About Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe

Ụlọ Zen bụ ọmụmaatụ a nụchara anụcha nke usoro nhazi dị mfe, ebe ìhè, mmiri na oghere na-akpụ gburugburu obibi dị jụụ ma dịkwa n'otu. Ọdọ mmiri na-akwado nhazi ụlọ a, tinyere osisi oliv nke na-eweta ebe a na-elekwasị anya sitere n'okike. Nhọrọ ihe e ji echiche mara mma na ahịrị ụkpụrụ ụlọ dị ọcha na-akwado echiche nke ịdọ aka ná ntị na ịdị jụụ. Nkọwa ọ bụla na-enye aka n'echiche nke ịdị jụụ nwere ebumnuche, ebe ọ dịghị ihe ọ bụla gafere ókè ma ihe ọ bụla nwere ọnọdụ ya. N'ụzọ dị otu a, Ụlọ Zen na-aghọ ebe mgbaba dị jụụ, nke dabara ma ndị bi n'ime ya ma gburugburu okike ya.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha

Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha, nnabata dị oke ugwu e nyere design ndị dị n'ọkwa kachasị elu, mara mma ma na-eju anya. Ndị meriri na Ọlaọcha bụ ọrụ na-egbu maramara nke ukwuu ma dị oke nzụlite nke na-egosi ọmarịcha ihe ọmụma, talent na nghọta nke ndị designer ha. A na-atụ anya na Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe ga-abụ ọrụ dị ịtụnanya, ihe nlereanya, nke dị oke ọrụ ma dị omimi n'ihe ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha bụ ihe e mepụtara dị oke ịrịba ama, nke a na-eto nke na-erite uru ma na-ebuga oke nka, sayensị, design na teknụzụ n'ihu. Zen House Ụlọ Obibi Nkeonwe bụ ihe e kere eke ọtụtụ ndị na-ekwo ekworo ya nke na-akpali ọchịchọ, na-eweta mmetụta ọma ma na-akpali ịtụnanya.

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