Al Azra Home: A Serene Oasis in Sharjah

A Retreat House Designed by Ardh Architects

The inspiration for Al Azra Home comes from the tranquility of an oasis, where water and vegetation bring life to the barren desert. The house is strategically located on a corner plot, ensuring privacy without compromising outdoor space. Tall trees are positioned to provide privacy from neighboring houses and any future construction, while shorter trees and plants adorn the other two corners, creating a lush and secluded environment.

What sets Al Azra Home apart is its focus on privacy and serenity. With just two bedrooms, an office, an open-plan living and dining space overlooking the inner courtyard, a semi-open modern kitchen with a breakfast island, and a maid's room, the house offers a cozy yet spacious retreat. The use of vegetation throughout the premises enhances privacy and creates a calming atmosphere.

The design of Al Azra Home incorporates advanced technology to ensure comfort and efficiency. Stone cladding with a ventilation gap provides an extra layer of insulation against the region's hot climate. Triple glass glazing is specified for optimum dust, sound, and heat insulation. The floors are covered with porcelain tiles, all on one level, ensuring ease of mobility throughout the house.

Al Azra Home covers an area of 485.17 square meters on a plot of 5,319.8 square meters. The dimensions of the house are 23.9m x 20.3m, while the plot measures 67m x 79.4m. These specifications allow for a spacious and well-designed living space, while still maintaining a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

This retreat house is designed to function as a peaceful sanctuary for the client. With its cozy yet spacious living and dining spaces, Al Azra Home is the perfect place for the client's children and grandchildren to gather and enjoy the view. The house is set deep into the plot, creating a surprising reveal as visitors approach and ensuring the privacy of the occupants.

Al Azra Home is located in the Al Azra area of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. Although construction has not yet started, the design has already garnered recognition. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The design of Al Azra Home was not without its challenges. The site had to be cleared of overgrown invasive species, and water pipe leakage had to be fixed. Additionally, the design introduced a new approach to residential building footprints, focusing on landscape and vegetation rather than simply maximizing the built area. These challenges were overcome through careful planning and innovative solutions.

Al Azra Home is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Ardh Architects. With its unique design, focus on privacy and serenity, and integration of advanced technology, this retreat house offers a truly exceptional living experience. It stands as a serene oasis in the heart of Sharjah, providing a peaceful sanctuary for its occupants.