Villa ABK
Dubai, UAE
Year: 2023
Client: Confidential
Services: Architecture and Interior Design
Principal Architect: Alessandro Vaghi
Team: Riccardo Papa, Alice Borroni, Chiara Auletta, Carla Longoni
Consultants: Dynamic Design DMCC [PMO]
Floor area: 4.000 sqm
Photographer: Natelee Cocks
An enchanting private residence, a sculptural villa where the interplay of double-height volumes and reflections of light from skylights define the internal architectural spaces in a dance of light and shadow, solid and void.
Designed by MMA Projects, this private residence is located in the prestigious Pearl Jumeirah Island. This 4,000-square-meter villa extends over the water, offering unparalleled sea views.
The concept aims to maximize the openness of internal spaces, creating a horizontal and vertical continuum emphasized by the main partitions. These internal divisions not only define the floor plan but also accentuate the residential volume's strong verticality.
From a compositional perspective, the ample plot allowed for the strategic placement of the representative villa and outdoor spaces, directly overlooking the sea. Additionally, there's a recreational area that includes a sports area with a paddle court and lounge zones for relaxation. The villa is spread across four levels.
Externally, the villa is clad in white Turkish stone called Limra, treated with various finishes, creating surface contrast between the lower and upper parts of the building. The lower section features geometric bas-relief motifs, while the upper surface has a more delicate finish, resembling a woven pattern.
The luxurious residence greets its guests with an elegant and voluminous Arabescato Orobico wall, a decorative stone that immediately imparts a lively and precious aesthetic. The 9-meter-high entrance door is made with bronze finishes and an external engineered wood covering.
For the interior cladding, three predominant materials are used: grey Fior di Bosco marble and Verde Antigua marble, chosen for their unique colors and veining, contrasted with Canaletto Walnut wood for the wainscoting.
Another iconic element of the villa is the sinuous Fior di Bosco marble staircase, a sculptural stone element, enhanced by handcrafted modeling.