Zen House Fonenana Manokana by Drew Gilbert

Zen House Fonenana Manokana by Drew Gilbert is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Volafotsy in Famolavolana Maritrano, Trano ary Rafitra Competition Category.

VolafotsyMaritrano· 2025

Zen House Fonenana Manokana

by Drew Gilbert

Client: Drew Gilbert Design

A' Design Award Volafotsy Winner in Maritrano Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #171500

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Zen House Fonenana Manokana

Zen House dia ohatra tsara amin'ny famolavolana minimalist, izay ny mazava, ny rano, ary ny habaka no mamorona tontolo fiainana tony sy mirindra. Dobo filomanosana iray no manome foto-kevitra nyfikajiana ny trano, miaraka amin'ny fisian'ny hazo oliva izay mitondra ivon-kevitra voajanahary. Ny safidy ara-pitaovana voahevitra sy ny tsipika ara-maritrano madio dia manohana ny fahatsapana mazava sy tony. Ny antsipiriany tsirairay dia manampy amin'ny fahatsapana fahanginana manam-pantatra, izay tsy misy tafahoatra ary ny zavatra rehetra dia manana ny toerany. Amin'izany fomba izany, ny Zen House dia lasa fialofana tony, mifanaraka amin'ny mponina sy ny tontolo manodidina voajanahary.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Volafotsy

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Volafotsy ny famolavolana Zen House Fonenana Manokana, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana ambaratonga ambony, tsara tarehy ary mahavariana. Ny mpandresy Volafotsy dia asa mamirapiratra dia mamirapiratra ary mamorona dia mamorona izay maneho ny fahaizana, ny talenta ary ny fahamaotinan-tsain'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho asa mahagaga, ohatra tsara, mahay amin'ny asa ary vaovao amin'ny halalin-tsaina ny famolavolana Zen House Fonenana Manokana. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Volafotsy ity dia fikarohana miavaka be ary ankafizina izay mahasoa ary mampandroso ny sisintanin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia. Ny famolavolana Zen House Fonenana Manokana dia famoronana mahazo fitaka be izay mamaly ny faniriana, mitondra fihetseham-po tsara ary mamelona fahagagana sy fahatalanjonana.

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