Press Release
Drew Gilbert Receives the Silver A' Design Award for Zen House Private Residence in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
The international grand jury of the 2024 - 2025 A' Design Award & Competition recognizes Drew Gilbert for architecture, building and structure design
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMO, Italy, April 19, 2025 /DesignNewswire/ A' Design Award & Competition has confirmed the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category for Zen House Private Residence by Drew Gilbert, designed for Drew Gilbert Design. The recognition forms part of the 2024 - 2025 A' Design Award & Competition and was decided through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who scored anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.
The Silver A' Design Award Explained
The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Regarding Zen House Private Residence
Zen House is a refined example of minimalist design, where light, water, and space shape a calm and cohesive living environment. A pool anchors the home's layout, complemented by the presence of an olive tree that brings a natural focal point. Thoughtful material choices and clean architectural lines support a sense of clarity and quiet. Every detail contributes to a sense of purposeful stillness, where nothing feels excessive and everything has its place. In this way, Zen House becomes a quiet refuge, attuned to both its inhabitants and its natural surroundings.
About Drew Gilbert
Drew Gilbert is an American multi-award winning Architect, Urbanist and Futurist. Graduated with his Master’s degree in Architecture from the United States. He embodies a comprehensive and naturalistic design process, benefiting the individual and supporting the evolution of the communities with significant contributions to humanity responding to the climatic, ecological and social emergencies of our time. Gilbert was selected Top 30 Architects Powerlist 4 times in a row, and was awarded multiple international awards. In 2023 he was awarded the A’design Award for Best Architecture project and the Luxury life style award for best Luxurious residence, as well the Architizer award.
Award Record
Drew Gilbert is a winner of 4 A' Design Awards, including this recognition. The awards were granted between the 2022 - 2023 and the 2024 - 2025 editions of the A' Design Award & Competition.
About the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award
The A' Architecture Design Award is an international architectural design competition recognizing good architectural designs by best architects worldwide. It is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to architectural design studios, building contractors, structural engineering firms and architecture and design consultants from all countries. Typical entries include skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions and religious structures. The awarded architectural projects are published at https://designers.org/design-category/architecture
About A' Design Award & Competition
Organized annually since 2008, A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The philanthropic mission of the A' Design Award is to advance society through good design, by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Nominations are peer reviewed and evaluated anonymously by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. Eligible laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, uploading a work and receiving a preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. More information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com
Press Resources
- Winner Page: https://designers.org/171500
- A' Design Award Page: https://competition.adesignaward.com/171500
- Media Showcase: https://www.designnewsroom.com/!171500
- Laureate Profile: https://designers.org/d/273304
Media Contact
Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953
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Fact Sheet
The Work
- Project
- Zen House Private Residence
- Function
- Private Residence
- Category
- Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Discipline
- Spatial Design
- Industry
- Architecture
- Colors
- Slate Gray, Light Slate Gray, Dark Gray, Gray and Dim Gray
- Images
- 5
- Client
- Drew Gilbert Design
The Recognition
- Laureate
- Drew Gilbert
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Recognition
- Silver A' Design Award
- Edition
- 2024 - 2025
- Design ID
- #171500
Design Details
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Realization and 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.
- Operation and Interaction
- 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.
- Project Duration and Location
- The project started in 2024 and was completed in 2025, located in Nadd Al Shiba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Specifications
- 10,000 square feet BUA, ground, first floor, and rooftop
- Keywords
- Villa, Sustainable Design, Smart Home Technology, Minimalism, High Quality Materials, Bespoke, Energy Efficiency, Exceptional Living Experience, Innovation
