Project: Villa AZ – "Austere lines and Arab influences."”
Location: Pearl Jumeirah Island, Dubai
Services: Architecture Design, Interior Design, Site Supervision, Artistic Direction
Year: 2018 (Architecture) - 2022 (Interiors)
Area: 1300 smq
Floor Area: 650 sqm
Photographer: Natelee Cocks, Tushar Naik
ABOUT US
MMA Projects is a multidisciplinary and multicultural architecture and design studio based in Milan. Working internationally in a variety of sectors, from residential to commercial, retail to hospitality, its team is driven by passion and united in the pursuit of beauty and excellence. Rooted in the best traditions of Italian design, it declares a love of craftsmanship and customization. Special emphasis is placed on the use of natural materials for their tactile qualities and their ability to give a building a sense of soul. The result is designs that blend functionality and poetry, technical skill and aesthetic refinement. A unique vision in which forms are reduced to their essence, color palettes are restrained and toned down, and harmony and balance are the ultimate goal.
Location: Pearl Jumeirah Island, Dubai
Services: Architecture Design, Interior Design, Site Supervision, Artistic Direction
Year: 2018 (Architecture) - 2022 (Interiors)
Area: 1300 smq
Floor Area: 650 sqm
Photographer: Natelee Cocks, Tushar Naik
ABOUT US
MMA Projects is a multidisciplinary and multicultural architecture and design studio based in Milan. Working internationally in a variety of sectors, from residential to commercial, retail to hospitality, its team is driven by passion and united in the pursuit of beauty and excellence. Rooted in the best traditions of Italian design, it declares a love of craftsmanship and customization. Special emphasis is placed on the use of natural materials for their tactile qualities and their ability to give a building a sense of soul. The result is designs that blend functionality and poetry, technical skill and aesthetic refinement. A unique vision in which forms are reduced to their essence, color palettes are restrained and toned down, and harmony and balance are the ultimate goal.
Villa AZ – “Austere Lines and Arabic Inspirations”
MMA Projects, a renowned international architecture and interior design studio, develops its activities in the main fields of design, including luxury residential projects.
In its project portfolio, it features Villa AZ, a private residence located on the prestigious Palm Jumeirah island, one of the three artificial islands built off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
With sophisticated and essential elegance, the building stands out for its austere lines, with references to Arabic style. The AZ private residence has been completely renovated, both internally and externally, to differentiate itself from the surrounding homes, which are rather uniform and lack a distinct identity. The exteriors have been simplified by removing excessive decorations and any redundant elements, opting for high-quality selected materials.
As a tribute to Arab culture and in harmony with the villa’s context, refined bronzed metal elements were introduced. These panels that adorn the facade recall the Mashrabiya with its delicate geometric designs, which are not only ornamental but also serve as a true natural ventilation mechanism, typical of Arabic architecture.
The grids, originally made from inlaid wood elements and assembled according to a complex pattern, decorate windows, loggias, and balconies, adding light, identity, and mystery to the entire residence.
In the specific case of Villa AZ, the reference to this ancient technique is represented by narrow ornamental metal strips, placed above the main windows, and by a larger panel located at the center of the main facade, right above the entrance door. This panel captures attention with a masterpiece of taste and lightness, bringing light, identity, and mystery to the entire residence.
MMA Projects, a renowned international architecture and interior design studio, develops its activities in the main fields of design, including luxury residential projects.
In its project portfolio, it features Villa AZ, a private residence located on the prestigious Palm Jumeirah island, one of the three artificial islands built off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
With sophisticated and essential elegance, the building stands out for its austere lines, with references to Arabic style. The AZ private residence has been completely renovated, both internally and externally, to differentiate itself from the surrounding homes, which are rather uniform and lack a distinct identity. The exteriors have been simplified by removing excessive decorations and any redundant elements, opting for high-quality selected materials.
As a tribute to Arab culture and in harmony with the villa’s context, refined bronzed metal elements were introduced. These panels that adorn the facade recall the Mashrabiya with its delicate geometric designs, which are not only ornamental but also serve as a true natural ventilation mechanism, typical of Arabic architecture.
The grids, originally made from inlaid wood elements and assembled according to a complex pattern, decorate windows, loggias, and balconies, adding light, identity, and mystery to the entire residence.
In the specific case of Villa AZ, the reference to this ancient technique is represented by narrow ornamental metal strips, placed above the main windows, and by a larger panel located at the center of the main facade, right above the entrance door. This panel captures attention with a masterpiece of taste and lightness, bringing light, identity, and mystery to the entire residence.
EXTERIOR
A carefully designed lighting project enhances the lines and attention dedicated to the garden design. The atmosphere created in the private area is captivating, with the infinity pool and terrace overlooking the sea inlet, enveloping the garden in an aura of elegance and serenity. This space integrates harmoniously with the furniture from Talenti’s Cliff collection, highlighting a refined and contemporary style.
A special element in the garden captures the eye: a carved and scratched block of “Limra” stone, which becomes the focal point of the setting. In particular, the buffet and barbecue area, designed by the architects, deserves a mention. Equipped with a BBQ cooking surface by Fulgor Milano and a faucet by CEA Design, this functional and stylish feature enhances the outdoor environment.
MAIN ENTRANCE
For the main entrance, the Synua line from Oikos Venezia, a leader in high-end security doors, was chosen.
In its black glass and wood finish, Synua ensures both elegance and security, and thanks to the attention to detail, such as the profiles and the bronze section, it integrates harmoniously into the facade, echoing the metal of the mashrabiya and, together with it, helping to capture and reflect the sunlight in its warmest and softest tones.
A carefully designed lighting project enhances the lines and attention dedicated to the garden design. The atmosphere created in the private area is captivating, with the infinity pool and terrace overlooking the sea inlet, enveloping the garden in an aura of elegance and serenity. This space integrates harmoniously with the furniture from Talenti’s Cliff collection, highlighting a refined and contemporary style.
A special element in the garden captures the eye: a carved and scratched block of “Limra” stone, which becomes the focal point of the setting. In particular, the buffet and barbecue area, designed by the architects, deserves a mention. Equipped with a BBQ cooking surface by Fulgor Milano and a faucet by CEA Design, this functional and stylish feature enhances the outdoor environment.
MAIN ENTRANCE
For the main entrance, the Synua line from Oikos Venezia, a leader in high-end security doors, was chosen.
In its black glass and wood finish, Synua ensures both elegance and security, and thanks to the attention to detail, such as the profiles and the bronze section, it integrates harmoniously into the facade, echoing the metal of the mashrabiya and, together with it, helping to capture and reflect the sunlight in its warmest and softest tones.
INTERIOR
Finishes
For the interiors, characterized by a contemporary and sophisticated style, exquisite marbles and natural woods were selected for the floors, walls, and coverings, along with refined fabrics and high-quality leather for the paneling. Finally, bronze inserts and decorations with an Arabic flair enrich and add warmth to the space.
For the living area, a Moka Cafè Latte marble with a glossy finish was chosen for the flooring. The design studio focuses on creating a vertical decorative stone cladding with a geometric pattern from the "Adamas" Collection, designed by MMA Projects, in the areas of the Entrance, Lobby, and Living room.
Living Area
The living area opens up to the outside through a massive glass window that, by day, floods the room with natural light, highlighting the details of the finishes and coverings, while in the evening it offers a view of the magical Dubai skyline by night. The tones chosen for the furniture complement the natural materials used, adding sophistication and elegance to the space.
Nothing is left to chance: at the center of the living room, design furniture by Flexform has been placed to further enhance the living area.
As decoration and a separator between the Living area and the Entrance, a wooden and bronze structure is featured, with a pattern that echoes the Mashrabiya found in the main facade.
Finishes
For the interiors, characterized by a contemporary and sophisticated style, exquisite marbles and natural woods were selected for the floors, walls, and coverings, along with refined fabrics and high-quality leather for the paneling. Finally, bronze inserts and decorations with an Arabic flair enrich and add warmth to the space.
For the living area, a Moka Cafè Latte marble with a glossy finish was chosen for the flooring. The design studio focuses on creating a vertical decorative stone cladding with a geometric pattern from the "Adamas" Collection, designed by MMA Projects, in the areas of the Entrance, Lobby, and Living room.
Living Area
The living area opens up to the outside through a massive glass window that, by day, floods the room with natural light, highlighting the details of the finishes and coverings, while in the evening it offers a view of the magical Dubai skyline by night. The tones chosen for the furniture complement the natural materials used, adding sophistication and elegance to the space.
Nothing is left to chance: at the center of the living room, design furniture by Flexform has been placed to further enhance the living area.
As decoration and a separator between the Living area and the Entrance, a wooden and bronze structure is featured, with a pattern that echoes the Mashrabiya found in the main facade.
Kitchen
The kitchen is accessed through a sliding glass panel from the Rimadesio company, part of the "Velaria" collection. The profile of the aluminum structure, with its minimal thickness, enhances the exclusive aesthetic qualities of the smoky glass.
The kitchen features a central island, offering both operational functionality and high aesthetic appeal, created by the contrast of the materials used. The work area includes a block of glossy white lacquered wood, where a strip of black Portoro marble is seamlessly integrated: a fine variety of Italian multicolored marble. This precious stone boasts an intense, brilliant black color with golden veins ranging from pure yellow to honey tones, which complement the hue of the Mocca Cafè Latte marble flooring. The space is illuminated by the “Bolle” pendant lamp by Gallotti and Radice.
The matching chairs are the "Ibla" by Giorgetti, with a lightweight and slender design, featuring a shell that defines the essential structure in solid ash and leather upholstery. The wall-mounted wardrobe is made of lacquered walnut wood.
The kitchen is accessed through a sliding glass panel from the Rimadesio company, part of the "Velaria" collection. The profile of the aluminum structure, with its minimal thickness, enhances the exclusive aesthetic qualities of the smoky glass.
The kitchen features a central island, offering both operational functionality and high aesthetic appeal, created by the contrast of the materials used. The work area includes a block of glossy white lacquered wood, where a strip of black Portoro marble is seamlessly integrated: a fine variety of Italian multicolored marble. This precious stone boasts an intense, brilliant black color with golden veins ranging from pure yellow to honey tones, which complement the hue of the Mocca Cafè Latte marble flooring. The space is illuminated by the “Bolle” pendant lamp by Gallotti and Radice.
The matching chairs are the "Ibla" by Giorgetti, with a lightweight and slender design, featuring a shell that defines the essential structure in solid ash and leather upholstery. The wall-mounted wardrobe is made of lacquered walnut wood.
Night area - Bedroom
In the master bedroom, there is an elegant leather wardrobe with geometric stitching that enhances the craftsmanship, along with bronze inserts. Additionally, "Hernest," a desk with a leather seat, designed by the MMA Projects studio, has been included.
Bathroom
In the master bathroom, materials such as the 3D-designed "Limra" stone were chosen for the vertical walls, and Moka Cream marble with a polished finish for the bathroom cabinet top and sinks. Additionally, a vertical cladding in white Limestone by Marmo Mac has been applied, decorated with a 3D geometric texture that echoes the one in the entrance lobby. The dresser is made of ebony, and for the faucets, the Neve brand was selected with a bronzed finish. The residence also includes an Ablution Area, a space dedicated to ritual ablutions as prescribed in religious contexts before prayer.
In the master bedroom, there is an elegant leather wardrobe with geometric stitching that enhances the craftsmanship, along with bronze inserts. Additionally, "Hernest," a desk with a leather seat, designed by the MMA Projects studio, has been included.
Bathroom
In the master bathroom, materials such as the 3D-designed "Limra" stone were chosen for the vertical walls, and Moka Cream marble with a polished finish for the bathroom cabinet top and sinks. Additionally, a vertical cladding in white Limestone by Marmo Mac has been applied, decorated with a 3D geometric texture that echoes the one in the entrance lobby. The dresser is made of ebony, and for the faucets, the Neve brand was selected with a bronzed finish. The residence also includes an Ablution Area, a space dedicated to ritual ablutions as prescribed in religious contexts before prayer.
Lighting
To illuminate the entire house, recessed spotlights were chosen, particularly the "Cono Infinito" by Viabizzuno, a fully recessed fixture made of oxidized aluminum, with the body completely embedded in the ceiling. This feature allows for the inclusion of more decorative lighting elements that add character to the space.
An example is the majestic chandelier designed by the studio, composed of hundreds of mother-of-pearl circles, mounted in the Entrance Lobby. Another example is the cascading chandelier in the Family Room, also designed by the studio. For all outlets and switches, the Jung company, a leader in the sector, was selected.
To illuminate the entire house, recessed spotlights were chosen, particularly the "Cono Infinito" by Viabizzuno, a fully recessed fixture made of oxidized aluminum, with the body completely embedded in the ceiling. This feature allows for the inclusion of more decorative lighting elements that add character to the space.
An example is the majestic chandelier designed by the studio, composed of hundreds of mother-of-pearl circles, mounted in the Entrance Lobby. Another example is the cascading chandelier in the Family Room, also designed by the studio. For all outlets and switches, the Jung company, a leader in the sector, was selected.
