Abstract House: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Ghiath Al Masri's Award-Winning Design Marries Kuwaiti Heritage with Contemporary Aesthetics

The inspiration for the Abstract House came from the idea of implanting imagined height into a single-story residence. The result is a two-story structure flanked by green space and intentional exaggerations of height. The design's unique properties lie in its ability to co-mingle modern sensibility with traditional practices. The individually shaped columns give it a modern touch, while the central courtyard harks back to traditional Kuwaiti houses, which included courtyards for temperature control.

The construction system of the Abstract House is a blend of concrete and steel structures, finished with concrete, white sigma, and black marble. The plot, measuring 25 M X 30 M, is open from the back and front, with the building height from the street level at 16 m. The house is divided into a basement and three floors, with the basement serving as parking and storage, and rooms for a driver and chef.

The ground floor is U-shaped, divided into two parts, each with its entrance, reception, and services. A passage connects the two sides of the building, creating a balcony for the first floor. The first floor is divided similarly to the ground floor, with the main side consisting of four bedrooms, and the second part consisting of two bedrooms. The second floor unifies the facilities and services like a gym, store, maid's room, and mechanical room.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was maintaining the design's openness while considering the social perspective of wide-open windows. However, the design team managed to find a solution that satisfied all aspects of the design. The residence utilizes a modern aesthetic while retaining a central courtyard, allowing the residence to acknowledge both past and present without clashing. The water feature at the steps of the main door sweeps outwards, and the floor-to-ceiling glass helps keep the spaces more open, allowing the users to move between outside and inside, past and present, effortlessly.

The Abstract House is a testament to the power of design and the ability to blend tradition and modernity seamlessly. It is a beacon of architectural innovation, a symbol of the harmonious fusion of Kuwaiti heritage and contemporary aesthetics, and a deserving winner of the Silver A' Design Award.