Zen House Ichancayocalli by Drew Gilbert

Zen House Ichancayocalli by Drew Gilbert is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Calchihualiztli, Calmanaliztli ihuan Tlatecpanaliztli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlCalchihualiztli· 2025

Zen House Ichancayocalli

by Drew Gilbert

Client: Drew Gilbert Design

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Calchihualiztli 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 Ichancayocalli

Zen Calli cah ce cualli machiyotl in amo mieccopa tlachihualiztli, campa tlanextli, atl ihuan cactli quintlalia ce yocoxca ihuan centlalilli nemilizcalli. Ce atlapanco quitohuaca in calli itlachializyotl, tlapalehuilli ipan ce olivo cuahuitl tlein quilhuica ce cuauhyotl neltoconi. Netlanehuiliztli tetl ihuan cuahuitl ihuan chipahcacti calli tlachihualoni quipalehuiah ce yectenehualiztli ihuan yocoxcayotl. Nochi tlamantli quinneltilia ce tlanequilizmachiyotl yocoxcayotl, campa ayac tlamantli hueyiya ihuan mochi quitohuaca inacayo. Ica nin, Zen Calli mochihua ce yocoxca ichantzinco, motlanehuiliztica ichin inchaneque ihuan itlalticpac yahualli.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Zen House Ichancayocalli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Zen House Ichancayocalli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Zen House Ichancayocalli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

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