A Refined Residence on Palm Jumeirah

Located on the G Frond of Palm Jumeirah, this villa, designed by SAOTA for Alpago Properties, with CK Architecture Interiors as the executive architects and contractors, epitomizes understated luxury with its elegant silhouette.

Chris Goldstraw

The brief, which called for maximizing the allowable area and infusing the space with refined luxury, granted the design team the freedom to interpret residential luxury in a unique manner. The lack of restrictions due to no specific end user allowed for a creative and expressive architectural design that seamlessly integrates with the prestigious neighborhood. A primary objective of the project was to incorporate the surrounding landscape and views into the daily experience of the inhabitants. The site's proximity to water inspired the design, resulting in a stacked structure reminiscent of weathered travertine or coral, linking to the developer's Turkish roots and the villa's island setting.

The street-facing side presents a solid, privacy-focused façade, but upon closer inspection, the form is fragmented with contrasting materials, vertical layering, and a balance of solid and negative spaces. This interplay of elements introduces the theme of porousness throughout the design. Inside, the sense of solidity from the street transitions into openness on the sea-facing side, where hyper-transparent spaces dominate. The architects created double-volume terraces and voids that allow the landscape to visually weave through the space, enhancing the sense of permeability. The ground floor's social spaces center around a triple-volume courtyard that floods the area with natural light.

The villa spans four levels, each optimized for its purpose. Living spaces and bedrooms occupy the ground and first floors, opening onto the outdoor terrace. The basement houses a garage and spa, while the rooftop level features a bar, entertainment area, and pool, all benefiting from the panoramic view. The challenge of creating a sense of expansiveness within a relatively small footprint was met with an open-plan design that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The living space seamlessly connects to the terrace, pool, and landscaping, fostering a strong connection with the sea and skyline beyond.

The natural material palette further reinforces this connection to the outdoors. Large-format travertine tiles, wood, and earth-toned marble are luxurious yet understated, tonally linking the interior to the landscape. Public spaces are deliberately pared-back to complement the building's sculptural character, while private zones feature more opulent materials to enhance the sense of luxury. Outdoor areas, intricately linked to the indoors, are designed for live ability. Pergolas and terraces on the rooftop moderate light, while internal courtyards and deep overhangs contribute to passive cooling, ensuring comfortable outdoor living. This design allows occupants to fully enjoy the views and elements throughout the year.

About SAOTA

SAOTA is a Cape Town-based architectural firm renowned for its sophisticated modern designs and emphasis on harmony with the environment. The firm has designed numerous luxury residences and commercial projects worldwide, gaining international acclaim for its innovative and elegant architecture. SAOTA's work seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with functionality, often blurring the boundaries between urban environments and natural landscapes.