Ahmed Al-Ali_Abu Dhabi
Bait Ahmed Al-Ali_UAE
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Client: Ahmed Al-Ali
Program: Private Villa
Size: 1500 sqm
Year: 2023THE COURTYARD IS THE MAIN PROTAGONIST AS IT IS THE CENTER ELEMENT OF THE HOUSE.
Courtyard houses are a defining feature of residential architecture in Qatar. Therefore, the 4Yard House is designed with a focus on several interconnected and interwoven courtyards, each varying in size, shape, and function.
ORIENTED TO THE INSIDE
The 4Yard House emphasizes the importance of intimacy and the human-scale spaces inside, which are intricately connected to other courtyards that partially open to the sky and are adorned with small gardens featuring palm and olive trees.
The design challenge is to create a villa that accommodates the needs of an Arab-rooted family across three generations. Each individual desires their own private section within the villa, emphasizing a sense of complete independence. However, the design should also promote a cohesive and unified atmosphere, allowing for communal activities such as dining, celebrations, and other shared experiences.
EXTENDED, MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY
AN OPEN TO THE INSIDE, TRADITIONALLY INSPIRED
house that accommodates extended family multi-generational of Qatari families, centered around multiple courtyards to strengthen family bonds while ensuring privacy and intimacy for each individual.
INTERCONNECTED AND INTERWOVEN COURTYARDS
"HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM OF SPACES: From Communal and Togetherness to Intimacy and Serenity!"
PROTECTION LAYER, CONTROLLED COURTYARD
The environmental potential of a courtyard house is vast, but in today’s climate conditions, having a completely open-to-sky courtyard is often impractical. Therefore, a protective layer has been introduced to shield the courtyards from overheating while still allowing sunlight to filter in beautifully. This protective layer serves the dual purpose of inviting in the night breeze and promoting optimal airflow.
