Arabian Property Awards Winner as Highly Commended Architecture Multiple Residence 2011
Located on a beachfront on the outskirts of Bnaider, Kuwait, this family chalet is designed on a 3,500 sq.m. plot among a string of family chalet’s all laid out in a linear form facing Bnaider’s sea front. The ability to design on a plot that enjoyed the rare topographical slopes found in Kuwait, as well as mitigating the climatic conditions to provide breezy pathways for an enjoyable family get-away, were all key elements in the final design formation.
The challenge was to meet the requirements of creating several chalet units to provide five families a social and friendly environment, while still providing a private realm and internal community specific to each unit, as well as a visual connection to the sea front.
The urban context houses neighboring chalets of similar volumes, and specific regulations which must be adhered to.
To adapt to the breezy, yet warm climatic experience, the units are built in close distances to one another, providing main pathways and gathering points with shaded spaces creating a more regulated climatic experience. By also taking advantage of the sloped topography and designing each volume on a higher level than the next, these volumes provide each living space with a strong visual connection for the occupants.
Acting as a community within a community, each volume is provided with public and private areas; with the more public areas located on the ground floor, and private areas located on the upper floors with terraces provided to enjoy the soothing beach’s skyline.
The main chalet’s living space is allocated as a central circulation area in front of a garden, directly facing the sea by providing a transparent 180 degree view. The living space remains as an enclosed private space to the occupants due to the chalet’s off-center location.
Designed in response to the rather busy Kuwaiti environment, and the all-consuming fast- paced lifestyle, this family get-away provides a refreshing experience for the client; modern in architectural style, but traditional in living.
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All images courtesy of Kayan ME
