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A dynamic composition of juxtaposed rectilinear volumes imparts a monumental character to Villa AB. A luxury retreat by MMA Projects in the Jumeirah area of Dubai, its striking visual presence also stems from the use of a classic, timeless material: Roman travertine. This high-quality stone not only creates a sense of solidity and understated elegance but also produces engaging patterns of light and shade, essential for mitigating the desert’s intense sun.
The street-facing façade exemplifies context-sensitive design, balancing openings and protective surfaces to ensure privacy and shelter from Jumeirah’s extreme heat. Bronze-finished metalwork adorns the exterior, its geometric circular patterns reinterpreting the traditional Arabic mashrabiya screens on the windows, covered terraces, and balconies to give the exterior a dynamic, permeable appearance.
The same materials continue seamlessly indoors, giving the home a unified visual and tactile identity. Travertine appears in every space, creating light-filled backdrops. Counterpointing the stone, Canaletto walnut paneling imparts an elegant warmth to the living area and doors. There is a discreet opulence in the details, with onyx in the bathrooms and Forest Brown marble in the kitchen creating a distinctive identity.
A striking feature of the residence is its cantilevered staircase, enhanced with a lighting design that references the façade’s mashrabiya screen and the home’s handcrafted mother-of-pearl chandeliers.
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