Assignment

The competition called for the design of a private residence suited to the climate and cultural context of the UAE. The program required specific dimensional limitations, accommodation needs, home staff utilities, parking, and cultural requirements but allowed creative freedom within the dimensional envelope. Our challenge was to create a sophisticated and high-performing home that embodies elegance while offering respite from the extreme desert environment.

Objectives

Our primary goal was to design a residence that passively responds to the intense heat and dryness of the region while maintaining architectural distinction and comfortable livability. We aimed to balance privacy and openness, use traditional regional principles in a modern way, and integrate nature within the home itself. Above all, we sought to produce a sensory and environmental experience that would feel timeless, restorative, and serene.

Design Concept

Terra House is rooted in the idea of inhabiting the earth rather than sitting atop it. The design carves space into the ground to escape the sun and leverages the mass of earth and water to regulate temperature. Inspired by ancient desert architecture and reimagined through a modern lens, the home centers around a lush courtyard — an inward-looking oasis that serves as the project’s emotional and environmental heart. The home’s organization is radial, with all primary spaces touching the courtyard, blurring boundaries between interior and nature.

Approach and Strategy

To combat the desert climate, we adopted a strategy of passive cooling through thermal mass, subterranean rooms, cross-ventilation, and integrated vegetation. Air is pulled from cooler lower spaces and distributed upward through vertical voids. A deep reflecting pool not only modulates microclimates but also allows refracted light to dance into the lower-level entertainment and media areas. A system of retractable louvers provides responsive solar control. Our approach synthesized regional environmental tactics with modern spatial fluidity and technological precision.

Key Features

•A vast interior courtyard that every major room opens onto, filled with plantings and a central pool

•Subterranean volumes that act as thermal batteries and contain informal gathering spaces

•A reflective pool that doubles as an aquarium, contributing light, movement, and temperature control

•Retractable louvers and movable glass walls for sun modulation and seamless indoor-outdoor living

•Vertical air chimneys drawing cool air from below and expelling heat above

•Sculptural rammed earth walls and shaded exterior corridors

Materials and Techniques

The home uses locally-sourced rammed earth, polished concrete, natural wood, and glass. The courtyard walls are built with thick, insulating earth layers. Water elements were engineered for evaporative cooling. Retractable aluminum louvers were precision fabricated for solar response. The below-grade rooms required waterproofing systems adapted to arid soils while allowing for vertical light entry via glass-bottomed pools.

Challenges

Designing below grade in a desert climate posed challenges of waterproofing, daylight access, and ventilation. Integrating water responsibly — given its preciousness in the region — required engineering finesse and thoughtful balance. We also navigated strict dimensional constraints and programmatic complexity while still achieving spatial elegance.

Results

The result is a home that quietly adapts to its environment, celebrates the intimacy of private oasis living, and represents a future-forward reinterpretation of regional architecture. Terra House offers immersive tranquility and a refined relationship to earth, water, and sky — a luxurious retreat that breathes, shields, and inspires.

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Step inside this architectural marvel to discover a spacious and inviting ambiance, where clean lines, sleek finishes, and abundant natural light create an atmosphere of refined comfort. Boasting four generously-sized bedrooms, each with its own lavish en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, this home offers unparalleled privacy and convenience for residents and guests alike.

Entertain with ease in the expansive family room, perfect for hosting gatherings or unwinding with loved ones. The state-of-the-art kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and ample counter space for meal preparation. Adjacent to the kitchen, a convenient laundry room ensures effortless household chores.

Storage is plentiful throughout the home, allowing for seamless organization and clutter-free living. Ascend to the rooftop garden, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscape provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. A tranquil oasis awaits outdoors, where a sprawling pool beckons for refreshing dips on warm days, surrounded by lush greenery and manicured gardens.

Experience the epitome of luxury living in Tulum’s most coveted address, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. Welcome home to a lifestyle of unparalleled elegance and comfort.

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This house is nestled amidst lush greenery, offering panoramic views and seamlessly integrating with the surrounding jungle. This thoughtfully designed home spans across a generous 1200 square meters, providing ample space for relaxation and tranquility.

The centerpiece of this architectural masterpiece is the open-plan concept, which effortlessly combines the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Embracing natural light and panoramic views, this open layout creates a sense of spaciousness and allows for a seamless connection with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

The integration of the jungle environment into the house’s design creates a unique atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Large windows and glass doors invite the verdant landscape inside, creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary living.

Step outside onto the expansive terrace, where you can unwind and revel in the breathtaking views that stretch out before you. The terrace provides the ideal setting for entertaining guests, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with your loved ones.

Indulge in the delights of your private pool, offering a refreshing oasis to escape the tropical heat. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters while being surrounded by the captivating sounds of nature, creating an unforgettable experience of relaxation and rejuvenation.

This thoughtfully designed house offers two well-appointed bedrooms, providing comfort and privacy for you and your family. Each bedroom has been meticulously designed to ensure optimal use of space and offers ample storage solutions.

The two bathrooms feature modern fixtures and finishes, combining functionality with contemporary aesthetics. With clean lines and a minimalist approach, these bathrooms exude a sense of elegance and style.

Incorporating a compact and efficient design, this residential project showcases the perfect balance between modern living and functionality. Every square meter has been meticulously planned to maximize space utilization while ensuring a comfortable and seamless living experience.

This remarkable house represents the epitome of modern living amidst nature’s beauty. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat or a space to entertain and create memories, this residential project offers the perfect blend of contemporary design, seamless integration with the surrounding jungle, and breathtaking panoramic views. Experience the harmonious fusion of modern architecture and natural surroundings in this captivating residence.

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What sets Okoume apart is its unique feature: two of the houses have the flexibility to transform two of their four rooms into separate, self-contained apartments known as “lockoff” units. This innovative concept caters to the diverse needs of residents, providing the option to use these additional spaces as guest quarters, home offices, or even rental units for extra income.

Upon entering any of the houses, residents are greeted by a sense of serenity and tranquility. The design seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor living, blurring the boundaries between the lush natural surroundings and the elegant interiors. Expansive windows and glass doors flood the living spaces with natural light while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the highlights of each house is the rooftop garden, where residents can unwind and immerse themselves in the tropical ambiance of Tulum. Here, a Jacuzzi beckons, inviting relaxation and rejuvenation, while a private pool provides a refreshing oasis in the midst of the verdant beauty. The rooftop gardens not only serve as private retreats but also offer panoramic vistas of Tulum, creating a truly unique and enchanting experience.

In addition to the five houses, Okoume includes another module featuring 100 square meter apartments. These apartments provide an alternative living option for those seeking a more compact space without compromising on style and functionality. This diverse range of residences ensures that Okoume caters to a variety of needs and budgets, fostering a sense of inclusivity within the community.

Dvarq’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in the Okoume project. The construction materials used are sourced locally and incorporate recycled elements, minimizing the ecological footprint. Rainwater harvesting systems are implemented to reduce water consumption, while solar panels harness the abundant sunshine, generating clean energy and reducing reliance on traditional power sources. By seamlessly integrating sustainable practices, Okoume strives to preserve the natural beauty of Tulum and contribute to a greener future.

In summary, Okoume stands as a testament to the power of architecture and design to create an environmentally conscious and inviting living environment. With its focus on sustainability, innovation, and thoughtful integration with nature, Okoume offers a haven for those seeking a harmonious lifestyle in the midst of Tulum’s unparalleled beauty. Experience the best of both worlds at Okoume, where modern luxury meets eco-friendly living in perfect harmony.

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Proyecto Arquitectonico:

Diego Vales Alonso

Renders:

Dvarq

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Proyecto Arquitectonico:

Diego Vales Alonso

Renders:

Dvarq

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