The Cube: Redefining Residential Architecture

Ahmed Habib's Award-Winning Design Blends Modern Luxury with Traditional Accents

The Cube's design was inspired by a primary form and two imposing stone walls reminiscent of ancient temples. This creates an approach with a moat-like bridge leading to the house's main entrance. The central black metal screen design was inspired by an Islamic pattern, and the external courts were drawn from Arabic traditional houses. The result is a unique architectural dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces.

What sets The Cube apart is its exploration of the architectural relationship between solid and void. The floor plan design is based on two shifted masses creating an internal atrium and two external courts in the front and rear. This shifting direction was chosen based on cultural and environmental aspects, providing more natural ventilation and needed shade to the front yard.

The Cube is constructed primarily of concrete, with architectural finishes including honed silver travertine stone, black steel, off-white stucco, desaturated brown stucco, matt walnut wood, and double-glazed glass. The technical specifications of the design are meticulously planned, with a plot area of 25 m X 40 m and a built-up area of 1860 sqm.

The design process, which started in December 2018 and finished in February 2019, was not without its challenges. The client requested several separate entrances with a high solid boundary wall where the plot is only accessible from the front. Despite these challenges, Habib and his team managed to create a quality living experience that redefines the image of a residential building in Kuwait.

The Cube's excellence has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Ahmed Habib's The Cube is a shining example of how architectural design can be both innovative and respectful of cultural and environmental needs. It stands as a testament to the power of design to redefine our living spaces and enhance our quality of life.