Urban Garden: A Vertical Oasis in the Heart of the City

Creating Privacy and Connection to Nature

The design of the Urban Garden villa was heavily influenced by the unique challenge posed by its narrow rectangular plot. With a depth twice as long as its façade and exposed to streets only at the front and back, privacy was a key consideration. To address this, the villa was designed as an urban vertical volume, using its façades as screens to create a sense of seclusion within the dense neighborhood. The section of the house was strategically designed with multiple punctures to allow ample natural light to enter, creating a harmonious interplay between light and shadow.

The materials used in the design further enhance the villa's unique character. The main volume is clad in a grey stone, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal. The front and back entrances, on the other hand, feature a striking black marble that not only highlights these areas but also adds a touch of luxurious austerity to the overall design.

Upon entering the Urban Garden villa, one is greeted with an alternate experience that invites exploration. The open plan layout and multiple views toward the upper and lower floors create a sense of spaciousness and connectivity. The design intentionally plays with the viewer's curiosity, with the jagged façade inviting glimpses into the villa while denying a complete view of the interior. The back façade, with its tall black marble and subtle protrusion, conceals the entrance door while simultaneously announcing its presence with dim lighting.

Throughout the villa, elements of biophilic design are seamlessly integrated to enhance the well-being of its residents. Skylights, punctures, shallow water pools, a large green wall surrounding a patio, and a mini garden in the basement all contribute to a sense of connection with nature. These elements have been found to support better cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being.

The Urban Garden villa is not just a house with a garden; it is a garden in its essence. The vertical design, with rooms acting as pavilions within, creates a unique spatial experience. The ground floor, designed as an open plan, allows residents to look down and see the garden and pool below, look across and admire the house façade from within, or look up and gaze at the sky.

Construction of the Urban Garden villa is set to begin in October 2022 in Siddiq, Kuwait. The project, a result of meticulous research and creative problem-solving, has garnered recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2023, acknowledging its outstanding and ingenious design that incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

The Urban Garden villa, designed by Nour Saccal in collaboration with Hima Francis and Maysa Saccal, is a testament to the power of design to create a sanctuary in the heart of the city. It is a harmonious blend of nature, privacy, and modern aesthetics, offering its residents a truly unique and enriching living experience.