Client: Dr. Mohammad Al-Sheikh
Location: N/A
Services Provided: Design & Supervision
Plot Size: N/A
Total Built-up Area: 3,500 m²
Construction Cost: US $6,000,000
Starting Date: 2006
Completion Date: 2010
Challenge:
The Mohammad Al-Sheikh Residence was conceived as a modern reflection of traditional Saudi social structures, emphasizing the deep-rooted values of family, privacy, and community. The challenge was to integrate vernacular architectural principles into a contemporary residential setting, ensuring spatial harmony between private and social functions. Additionally, the project required an approach that respected the environmental and cultural context, creating a cohesive, self-sustaining residential environment.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the residence was structured as a collection of interconnected residential units, linked by alleys, pathways, and internal courtyards, evoking the traditional urban fabric of Saudi settlements. The spatial organization reinforced privacy, dividing the residence into two distinct sections: one dedicated to guest reception and male social gatherings, and the other secluded for family living, ensuring that cultural sensitivities and social hierarchies were respected. The architectural language embraced local materials, earthy textures, and a human-scaled approach, ensuring that the built environment remained in harmony with its surroundings. The integration of shaded courtyards and passive cooling techniques further enhanced the environmental responsiveness of the design.
Impact:
The Mohammad Al-Sheikh Residence stands as a refined interpretation of Saudi vernacular architecture, reinforcing the values of family unity, cultural continuity, and environmental adaptation. By reintroducing the principles of traditional settlements into a modern residential project, the design ensures a vibrant, livable environment that prioritizes human connection and spatial integrity. Through its careful articulation of public and private spaces, contextual sensitivity, and architectural authenticity, the residence becomes a model for contemporary Saudi homes that honor tradition while embracing the needs of modern living.
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