Location : Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Type : Residential
Project Area : 6800 sqm
The Arabian Mirage
Project Overview
The Arabian Mirage is a vision for contemporary family living rooted in the cultural and environmental context of Riyadh. Designed as a competition proposal for YAC (Young Architects Competitions), the project envisions two harmonious villas—each crafted for a brother and his family—integrating tradition with a forward-looking architectural language.
Set within the Al Wasil community, the concept embraces the sacred idea of “home”—a private, evolving space shaped by the needs of its inhabitants. The villas embody a dual commitment: honoring local heritage while addressing the demands of modern life, including privacy, connectivity, and access to outdoor space.
Core Inspirations
The design draws from multiple local and regional influences, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens:
- Urban Vernacular: Interconnected courtyards, narrow alleys, and spatial layering
- Desert Aesthetics: Earthy tones, textured materials, and minimalist geometry
- Indoor-Outdoor Synergy: Rooftops as social spaces, courtyards as gathering zones
- Water Integration: Symbolic and functional presence throughout the site
- Ecological Response: Native plantings and passive environmental strategies
- Material Honesty: Use of coral stone, palm wood, and traditional sand blocks
- Cultural Continuity: Innovative takes on regional cooling and irrigation systems
Spatial Experience
The villas are enclosed within a protective perimeter, creating inward-facing spaces that foster privacy, serenity, and connection to the landscape. The architecture forms a rhythm of enclosed and semi-open areas around a central garden—a reinterpretation of the traditional Riyadh courtyard house.
- Spatial clusters accommodate multigenerational family structures
- Courtyards bring light and life to the interior fabric
- Semi-open corridors frame movement and views, enhancing spatial fluidity
Sustainability & Resilience
Material selection and construction techniques are informed by local tradition and environmental performance:
- Passive Design: Oriented to optimize shade and airflow
- Durable Materials: Coral stone and sand blocks ensure longevity and low maintenance
- Climate Responsiveness: Shaded loggias, thick walls, and minimal glazing on exposed facades
