Monolithic House: A Modern Take on Traditional Arabic Architecture

Ahmed Habib's Award-Winning Design Merges Modernity and Tradition

Ahmed Habib's Monolithic House stands out for its unique approach to combining traditional Arabic architecture with modern design principles. The house's structure is arranged in a way to enclose external courts, reminiscent of old Arabic houses. The envelope of the house is designed using semi-transparent screens, featuring an old Saudi pattern inspired by Mashrabiya. These screens provide dynamic visual interaction, privacy, and shading on the south facade, and regulate the entry of sunlight with a motorized openable system, while always allowing natural ventilation.

The Monolithic House is constructed using a variety of materials, including concrete for the main structure and a combination of honed travertine stone, black steel, off-white stucco, matt walnut wood, and double-glazed glass for the architectural finishes. The perforated openable screen adds a unique touch to the design. The house covers a built-up area of 1540 sqm, with a landscape plot area of 800 sqm, and adheres to height regulations and setback regulations.

The design process, which started in September 2020 and concluded in January 2021, involved a series of research steps. Ahmed Habib and his team conducted data collection research to understand the client's needs, cultural research to address zoning and privacy needs, architectural design direction research to establish the mood board, massing and materials, and environmental research to ensure natural ventilation and sunlight. The design also had to overcome several challenges, including creating a quality living experience that redefines residential architecture in Jeddah while maintaining climate requirements and privacy needs dictated by Arab culture.

The Monolithic House features several entrances for different purposes, including a main entrance for family members and guests, a Diwaneya for formal events, side entrances for direct access to the basement back garden, and a service entrance. The house is divided into different floors, each serving a specific function, from reception and dining spaces for guests on the ground floor to bedrooms and living space on the first floor, daily living spaces including a pool, gym, services, and green areas in the basement, and an outdoor roof garden and service rooms on the roof.

The Monolithic House's unique design and innovative approach to merging modern and traditional elements earned it the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2021. The award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advance art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. Ahmed Habib's Monolithic House is indeed a testament to the designer's ability to create a quality living experience while maintaining cultural norms and climate requirements.