Feature in Royale Institute of British Architects, Gulf issue, Sep 2018

PROJECTS: PRIVATE VILLA

SARAH SADEQ ARCHITECTS

Sarah Sadeq Architects is a boutique multidisciplinary consulting firm based in Kuwait founded in 2011 by architect Sarah Sadeq, specializing in interior design, landscape architecture and lighting design.

The firm was appointed to design a private villa on a limited and challenging 375m2 plot size to create a diatomic massing in a culture that is used to building on bigger plots. The main focus of the concept was to create a design that offers an abundance of open space, to nurture a strong and consistent connection for the family, whilst keeping in mind the privacy of its occupants.

The double volume ground living room is connected with an overlooking pathway from the first floor, creating openness between both floors with customised statement lighting to enhance the feeling. Lighting design and use of natural light was a key element to ensure the villa stood out as a statement within its neighbourhood.

The second floor features a swimming pool with a view from the adjacent bedroom and the family living area to enhance the luxury identity of the small plot. The addition on the pool onto the second floor terrace also adds life to an area which is often culturally considered an inactive zone.

The main entrance of the house is one of its great design statements, creating a welcoming and grand first impression for a plot of that size, mirroring the harmonies of its landscaping with the architectural rhythm its design.

Within the interior of the property an aquarium is utilised to create a statement wall which separates the open plan of the ground floor. The aquarium itself creates a dynamic feeling of continuous movement and added luxury whilst providing an iconic separation of the spaces it serves.

The private villa has gained widespread recognition as a project that has challenged the idea of the potential of building on small plots in Kuwaiti culture and in within the GCC region in general by creating a clear example of a fully utilised residential space with six spacious bedrooms, great ground living rooms and the full services that any Kuwaiti family aims for.