In the remote South of Oman there is a fishing village Shuwaimia on a 30KM virgin beach. Our client is a regional developer interested in developing 1 million square meters of precious land where the mountains meet the Indian Ocean. Various master plans submitted resulted in high density over development and the remoteness of the location made it not feasible financially. We proposed a different approach.
In order to balance a respect for history and tradition with the need to create a modern neighborhood, the design takes cues from the regional architecture and builds on the best practices in contemporary architecture. The aspiration for the project is to build a sustainable development that is of high quality while being cost-efficient. The community is organized according to the principles of the Arabic courtyard house, a response that is sensitive to the culture and climate of the place.
In order to balance a respect for history and tradition with the need to create a modern neighborhood, the design takes cues from the regional architecture and builds on the best practices in contemporary architecture. The aspiration for the project is to build a sustainable development that is of high quality while being cost-efficient.
Community is organized by the principles of the Arabic courtyard house
Project Type: Residential Community with Mixed-Use
Client: Global Omani Development & Investment Company
Close-up of gateway – traditional motifs and screens
The community is organized according to the principles of the Arabic courtyard house, a response that is sensitive to the culture and climate of the place. Expanded to a whole self-sustaining community, this vision creates a new type of residential development that has the neighborly feel of a house that has expanded to nurture a new community while balancing the vibrancy of a city in microcosm.
Main entrance gateway into the modern neighborhood
Sustainability is at the core of the architectural expression, encompassing environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability by preserving traditional crafts and promoting new techniques and technologies. The design of the residential development is small scale, compact and organic, and will comprise locally sourced materials including limestone, marble, and aluminum. It is inherently sustainable through passive means, such as natural ventilation, the use of traditional arcaded spaces and loggias, mashrabiya screens and water features to maximize passive cooling.
Aerial view of sustainable community
Typical modern interior respecting local history and traditions
Community is organized by the principles of the Arabic courtyard house
Close-up of gateway – traditional motifs and screens
Main entrance gateway into the modern neighborhood
Aerial view of sustainable community
Typical modern interior respecting local history and traditions
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