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The project originated from the request to design a complex of villas conceived with a forward-looking vision of a "sustainable future". The development was to be composed of independent single-family villas, each tailored to meet specific requirements of the Arab region. Internal circulation, orientation and sun exposure, use of selected materials, and exclusive intended use for local families with children and domestic staff were just some of the key parameters we were given as guide that shaped the development of our concept.
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Conceived in harmony with the landscape, the project integrates with the natural environment, respecting the characteristics of the land. The use of local materials strengthens the connection with the territory, while the orientation of the spaces responds to light and wind, promoting comfort and energy efficiency. The architecture engages with the urban context by proposing a replicable residential model capable of organic growth over time. The green spaces are not just a backdrop but an integral part of daily life: they weave through the environments, connecting interior and exterior, and reinforcing the liaison between home and nature, between individual and community.
The project’s sustainability strategy is based on several key elements: the use of local materials, window placement on both facades and roof—to promote cross-ventilation, and the integration of solar panels for on-site energy production. Additionally, an innovative system extracts water from the high humidity levels typical of Dubai’s high humidity levels: this water, after purification, is used for domestic purposes, drinking, and irrigation of green spaces. These technologies work together to make the home self-sufficient for extended periods, anticipating the core principles of the house of the future.
Sustainability and human well-being lie at the heart of the villa’s design, influencing materials, technologies, and spaces. Integrated artificial intelligence systems manage climate control, air quality, lighting, and energy use in real time, continuously adapting both to the occupants’ habits and to external climatic and weather changes. The house is conceived to "breathe," autonomously activating natural ventilation and air exchange based on environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, pollution, and occupancy levels. Architectural solutions that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors are fundamental to the project’s philosophy. Green courtyards, rooftop gardens, patios, and bioclimatic greenhouses, integrated into the design, enable a seamless dialogue between nature and living space. These elements not only enhance energy efficiency but also support the physical and psychological comfort of the residents.
“More than just a building, this project embodies a shared vision of a sustainable, intelligent, and emotionally attuned future. It is inspiring to have a home that not only meets the family’s needs but also anticipates the future, harmoniously integrating with the surroundings and promoting a more conscious lifestyle. The house “breathes” with us and for us, demonstrating that innovation and tradition are not opposites, but can coexist as complementary forces in perfect balance.”
Icona Architetti Associati is an architecture and design studio founded in Milan in 2013 by the duo Marco Orto and Federica Poggio. Heirs to the modern lesson of the Italian masters of the 20th century and aware of the suggestions of the contemporary, Icona claims an immersive and humanistic approach to design. Their work always originates from a dialogue: human and sensory, with people and contexts. Icona embraces a wide range of operational scales, from master plan to product design, thanks to a vast network of collaborators. Materials are given a central role: this is the idea of “Icona Touch,” a multisensory concept in which optical and haptic come together in a single experience. The axiom of fluidity is also part of Icona’s fundamentals. The ability to modulate space according to seasons and functions is the method used to create flexible eco-systems. Fluidity that, together with the curved line, symbolizes the true signature of Icona Associated Architects.
