Buildings as Heirlooms

Client: Personal (Grandfather’s House)

Request: Adapt the house into a versatile event space that accommodates both family living and gatherings while preserving its heritage and cultural values.

Date: 2024 - 2025.

Status: In Progress

Concept: Redesign the underused spaces to be multifunctional, preserving the emotional and cultural connection to the land while allowing for flexibility. The design will incorporate natural elements of the house and its surroundings.

Key Insight: Inspired by a conversation with my grandfather, Yadi Obaid, about possibly cutting down trees to expand the house, I proposed adapting the interior rather than disrupting the environment. The design will preserve the trees, which represent the family’s bond to the land, and create a more flexible space for both family life and larger gatherings.

Questions Asked:

  • Can our heritage be preserved through adaptable design?

  • How can we create a space that respects both family history and modern needs without sacrificing cultural or emotional significance?

  • How can I open up the space to let nature in (like Japanese architecture) while maintaining privacy and respecting the conservative values of my family?

Personal Connection: The trees around the house, nurtured by my grandparents, symbolize their deep connection to the land. By preserving these elements and reimagining the house's interior, the design honors the harmony between home, earth, and family, creating a living space that adapts to both contemporary needs and traditional values.

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Al Qattara Oasis, Alain, UAE.