Another benefit of the screens is their role in what Olmesdahl describes as “the orchestration of light”. A signature of the studio’s work, this involves treating natural light as part of the design. “We prioritised the control and quality of light – a crucial element in a climate like Dubai’s,” says the architect. “The screens animate walls and ceilings with shadow play, contributing to a dynamic, immersive living experience.” SAOTA created expansive, column-free openings throughout the villa to maintain its sense of transparency, while ARRCC’s interior design further enhances the sense of lightness with its Scandinavian-inspired palette. “Natural materials warm and ground the space – oak, travertine, and softly veined stone evoke tactile richness rooted in masterful simplicity,” explains ARRCC principal Nina Sierra Rubia, whose team added accents of leather, linen, wool, glass and metal to elevate the spaces. “The materials palette favours authenticity – a minimalist aesthetic rooted in family living – and colours such as soft grey and warm white allow the architecture to take precedence. It’s an understated canvas for modern living.”
