Client: Al-Sheikh Zeid Abdul Wahhab
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Services Provided: Architectural Design & Landscape
Total Built-up Area: 1,500 m²
Construction Cost: US $1,216,000
Starting Date: 1992
Completion Date: 1993
Challenge:
The Abdul Wahhab Residence sought to capture the spirit of traditional Saudi architecture, particularly drawing from the historic urban fabric of Al-Diriyah, while integrating modern living standards. The challenge was to create a residential space that remained deeply connected to the surrounding landscape, ensuring that the design responded organically to the topography while maintaining the architectural authenticity of Najdi heritage. Additionally, the residence needed to reflect a harmonious relationship between built form and nature, reinforcing the timeless principles of Saudi vernacular design.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the residence was carefully planned to echo the natural landscape, drawing inspiration from the valleys and mountain fissures that shape the region. The architectural massing was conceived as an extension of the land itself, with interlocking built forms that mimic the natural crevices found in the desert terrain. The spatial organization followed a hierarchy of privacy, ensuring that public, semi-private, and private areas flowed seamlessly while remaining culturally and environmentally responsive. Traditional Najdi elements such as shaded courtyards, thick stone walls, and carved wooden screens were reinterpreted using modern construction techniques, allowing for both authenticity and functional efficiency. The landscape design further reinforced the organic dialogue between nature and architecture, incorporating native plants and water features to create a serene oasis within the arid surroundings.
Impact:
The Abdul Wahhab Residence stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Al-Diriyah’s architectural heritage, offering a residential retreat that remains rooted in Saudi traditions while embracing contemporary comforts. By merging built form with the natural terrain, the project succeeds in redefining modern Najdi architecture, ensuring that cultural identity, environmental sensitivity, and architectural innovation coexist in perfect harmony. Through its meticulous spatial articulation and deep connection to its surroundings, the residence serves as a refined example of how the principles of traditional Saudi design can shape the future of residential architecture in the region.
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