Client: Mr. Kamal Sultan
Location: Bida, Kuwait
Services Provided: Design
Total Built-up Area: 2,400 m²
Construction Cost: US $2,500,000
Starting Date: 2002
Completion Date: 2003
Challenge:
The Kamal Sultan Villa was designed to overcome the spatial constraints of a long and narrow plot, requiring a thoughtful arrangement of spaces that would maximize functionality, natural light, and privacy. The challenge was to reinterpret traditional Islamic architectural principles, such as simplicity, geometric order, and spatial fluidity, while ensuring a contemporary and livable environment suited to Kuwait’s harsh climate. The design also had to foster a seamless dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a holistic living experience where architecture, nature, and cultural identity coexist.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the villa was conceptualized as a series of interconnected spaces, where each functionally defined area flows into the next, generating a third space that acts as a transitional experience throughout the house. This spatial arrangement enhances movement, visual continuity, and a sense of openness, ensuring that the narrow site does not feel restrictive. The design reinterpreted Islamic architectural elements, using courtyards, shaded walkways, and geometric forms to create a balanced, serene atmosphere. Additionally, the architectural language was inspired by regional heritage, integrating subtle yet refined details that evoke traditional Kuwaiti homes while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
Impact:
The Kamal Sultan Villa successfully merges traditional Islamic spatial concepts with modern residential needs, creating a home that is both rooted in heritage and adapted for today’s lifestyle. Through its thoughtful spatial organization and seamless integration with the surrounding environment, the villa enhances the interaction between people and space, offering a timeless and immersive residential experience. By respecting the principles of simplicity, geometry, and cultural identity, the project stands as a refined example of contemporary Gulf residential architecture, ensuring that tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Sketches
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