Client: Mrs. Kalmat
Location: Amman, Jordan
Services Provided: Design
Total Built-up Area: 1,800 m²
Construction Cost: US $1,000,000
Starting Date: 1974
Completion Date: 1974
Challenge:
Villa Madi was envisioned as a contemporary interpretation of Amman’s traditional residential architecture, requiring a careful balance between cultural heritage, environmental responsiveness, and modern functionality. The challenge was to incorporate the essence of Jordan’s architectural legacy—rooted in courtyard living and natural materials—while ensuring that the spatial composition remained relevant to modern residential needs. Additionally, the project needed to preserve the organic relationship between built form and nature, allowing for a serene and ecologically balanced living environment.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the residence was conceptually structured around the idea of a cosmic enclosure, where the outer stone-clad shell encapsulated a traditional courtyard, forming a protected yet open internalized space. This introverted design approach, inspired by historical Levantine architecture, created a sanctuary-like living environment, where the courtyard acted as the heart of the home, fostering natural light, ventilation, and privacy. The architectural language remained authentic to the region, utilizing locally sourced stone, simple geometric forms, and earthy textures to reinforce a sense of permanence and harmony with the surroundings. The interior garden, designed as an oasis within the home, mirrored the paradisiacal atmospheres of traditional Islamic gardens, ensuring that the residence maintained an intrinsic connection to nature.
Impact:
Villa Madi stands as a timeless example of how traditional Jordanian architecture can be adapted to modern living, offering a refined residential experience that respects cultural and environmental values. Through its thoughtful spatial organization, material authenticity, and integration of nature, the project reaffirms the significance of courtyard living as a sustainable and culturally rich architectural solution. By bridging heritage and contemporary needs, the residence continues to serve as a model for future designs that seek to maintain architectural identity while embracing modern lifestyles.
Media
Comments