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Abstract House Residential Home by Ghiath Al Masri
Abstract House Residential Home by Ghiath Al Masri
Abstract House Residential Home by Ghiath Al Masri
Abstract House Residential Home by Ghiath Al Masri
Abstract House Residential Home by Ghiath Al Masri

Ghiath Al Masri

Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2019

Abstract House Residential Home

by Ghiath Al Masri

  • A' Design Award 2019 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2019
  • CLIENT: Ghiath Al Masri
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 55,344
  • Verification code 3EE496D020 · Verify this award
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About Abstract House Residential Home

The residence utilizes a modern aesthetic while retaining a central courtyard, which evokes the traditional Kuwaiti practice in the building of houses. Here the residence is allowed to acknowledge both past and present, without clashing. The water feature at the steps of the main door sweeps outwards, the floor to ceiling glass helps keep the spaces more open, allowing the users to go between outside and inside, past and present, effortlessly.

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Unique Properties
The house comingles modern sensibility through the individually shaped columns while retaining a central courtyard. This design feature evokes the traditional Kuwaiti practice in the building of houses, whereby courtyards were included to help with temperature control within the residence. Here the residence is allowed to acknowledge both past and present, without clashing.
Dimensions & Packaging
The plot dimension is 25 M X 30 M total 750 sqm, the plot has open from back and front from the 25 m side the other sides which is 30 m length is for neighbor, the building height from the street level is 16 m ,built up area is basement and three 3 floors , basement is parking and storage and rooms for driver and chef , Ground floor is U shape divided by tow , main one is 330 sqm , the second part is 197 sqm , main part is technically separated of the second part , each part has entrance and reception and services , in the main part there is passage width 140 cm X 30 m and in the middle there is garden and double glazed glass passage to connect two sides of building and to create a balcony for the fist floor. First floor consist divided too accordingly to the ground floor , main side is consist of 4 bedrooms, and second part consist of two bedrooms , the second floor is unify in the facilities and services like Gym , store, maids room and mechanical room .
Tags
Architecture, Modern, residential, house, Design, Luxury,
Production Technology
The construction system is concrete structure followed with some steel structure some items, by blend three sorts of the material like concrete finish, white sigma & black marble.
Design Challenge
The strong challenge is to save the design from the social perspective of the wide open windows which its conflict with, and find solution to accomplish the satisfaction on all aspect of design .
Project Duration
Location of the project is Kuwait.
Operation Flow
The client open mind mentality of the client with our passion of distinguish, we try to convince the client to make something different of usual houses and he interact very positively with us .
Research
We start with architecture layout with requirements, then go forward to sketching and architecture masses study and make client interact by think in 3 dimension way .Make clear demonstration of concept and thoughts. the major direction of masses design is to close from neighbor side and make middle garden open to sky light , link two sides with ground corridors and bridge make client more satisfied . work flow then was more challenge after complete first option express feel of dull after while, the next challenge of apply materials to the plain architecture masses . we believe that every mass has requirement of sort material and sometime should make slight amendment on architecture to approve the material .
Inspiration
The original concept came out while thinking about imagined height implanted into a single story residence. In this manner a single story bungalow acted as a stepping off point for the idea to become two stories flanked by usable green space and intentional exaggerations of height.
Image Credits
Image #1, #2,#3 and #4 is 3D visual credited to Ghiath Al Masri

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We blend contemporary design with cultural sensitivity, creating sophisticated residences that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Our Kuwait-based studio specializes in sculpted spaces where efficient planning meets aesthetic excellence, delivering homes that thoughtfully integrate…

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Design Interview about Abstract House Residential Home

The main focus in designing this work is to create a powerful architectural presence without sacrificing warmth or livability. The building is designed to stand as an artistic statement and a functional home at the same time.

For a design of this caliber, the future plans naturally extend beyond its initial creation. The goal isn’t just to leave it as a beautiful concept—it’s to let it live, inspire, and multiply.

The main focus in designing this work is to create a powerful architectural presence without sacrificing warmth or livability. The building is designed to stand as an artistic statement and a functional home at the same time.

Designing a concept of this depth and refinement typically unfolds in carefully layered stages, rather than in a single burst of inspiration.

This particular concept was born more from a pursuit of inspiration than a client’s commission. It grew out of a desire to explore how a residence could be both architecturally bold and emotionally grounded—a kind of living sculpture that still feels like home.

The design is not being produced or used by another company—it’s currently in the under-construction phase and is being developed under my direct supervision.

The intention is to produce and complete the work personally, rather than selling or leasing the production rights. A concept like this relies on very precise proportions, material choices, and lighting effects, so maintaining full creative control during construction is essential to protect its architectural integrity.

Once construction is completed, the built project will serve as a realized flagship, opening the door to potential future collaborations, exclusive licensing opportunities, or replication in select projects. But for now, the priority is to build it exactly as envisioned, ensuring the original design language remains intact.

This design was born from a desire to create a living space that feels both powerful and poetic. The main motivation was to explore how architecture can balance monumentality with intimacy—a structure that looks bold and iconic from the outside, yet feels warm, calm, and human once you step inside.

The influence comes from a mix of architectural references, product design, sculpture, and abstract art:

From architecture, the clean volumes and bold vertical lines echo the modernist clarity of Tadao Ando and the sculptural power of Luis Barragán.

From product design, the precision and control of form — where every edge and curve serves a purpose — inspired how each surface in the building is treated almost like a crafted object rather than just a wall.

From sculpture, particularly minimalist and monumental works, came the sense of weight, balance, and tension in the composition. The building is meant to feel carved, not just constructed.

From abstract drawings and art, the play of light, negative space, and rhythm gave birth to the idea of using voids as strongly as solids — letting air and light shape the architecture.

This blending of disciplines allows the design to step outside traditional boundaries. It isn’t just a house with walls and windows; it’s more like a spatial sculpture — a piece of art you can live inside.

More specifically, it’s aimed at:

Clients with a refined taste for modern and minimalist aesthetics — individuals who appreciate clean geometry, strong lines, and the emotional weight of architectural space.

High-end residential clients or developers seeking distinctive, signature architecture that elevates property value through design excellence.

What sets this design apart is the way it blends sculptural boldness with human warmth. Many modern minimalist buildings rely purely on clean lines and sharp geometry, but this concept goes a step further — it turns those formal elements into a living, emotional experience.

The name “Abstract House” was chosen because it captures the very essence of the concept. This design was never meant to imitate traditional architecture or follow a fixed stylistic formula — it was conceived as a pure composition of space, light, and form.
cription of the project. It tells you that this is not just a home, but an idea made physical, where form speaks louder than ornament.

The design process for “Abstract House” relied on a combination of traditional freehand sketching and advanced digital tools, each serving a different role in shaping the concept.

It began with freehand drawings, where the core idea of verticality, balance, and light was explored quickly and intuitively. Sketching allowed the concept to grow organically, without the constraints of technical precision too early in the process.

Once the geometry and proportions started to take form, the work moved into CAD software to refine the structure with accuracy — laying out clean lines, organizing spaces, and ensuring the composition could be built exactly as imagined.

Next came 3D modeling and rendering software, which gave life to the concept. This stage helped visualize light behavior, materials, textures, and how people would experience the architecture in real space. It’s where the idea stopped being just a plan and became a spatial sculpture.

Finally, photo editing and visualization tools were used to enhance presentation images — adjusting lighting, atmosphere, and composition so the mood of the design could be communicated as powerfully as the structure itself.

This blend of handcrafted intuition and digital precision is what allowed the project to stay both emotionally expressive and technically sound.

The most unique aspect of “Abstract House” is the way it transforms pure geometry into a living, emotional experience. Many modern houses use clean lines and minimal forms, but here the architecture behaves like a sculptural installation—it’s not just a building, it’s a composition of light, shadow, and silence.

Yes — while the concept of “Abstract House” was born from a personal vision, bringing it to life required collaboration with specialized experts who helped turn the idea into something buildable with precision.

This kind of design, with its clean lines and demanding proportions, depends on technical excellence just as much as creative clarity. Collaboration included:

Structural engineers, to make sure the bold vertical planes and cantilevered elements weren’t just elegant but structurally sound and efficient.

MEP consultants (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), to integrate technical systems invisibly so the architectural purity of the design remained uninterrupted.

3D modeling and visualization specialists, who helped refine perspectives, lighting simulations, and final presentation renders to match the intended atmosphere.

Landscape collaborators, to blend the building into its site and make the outdoor spaces feel like extensions of the interior.

Contractors and fabricators, especially during the construction phase, to ensure the detailing of materials — concrete, stone, glass, and wood — stayed faithful to the design vision.

Each collaborator brought technical mastery that allowed the artistic concept to stand confidently in reality. In projects like this, good architecture happens when art and engineering speak the same language

Technology plays a crucial but beautifully quiet role in the design of “Abstract House.” It isn’t there to dominate the architecture, but to empower it—to make sure the sculptural vision functions seamlessly in real life.

Its role can be seen in several layers:

Precision and clarity in design — Digital tools like CAD and 3D modeling allowed the geometry to be defined with exact proportions. This is essential in a project where a single misalignment can disrupt the entire visual harmony.

Light and shadow simulation — Technology made it possible to study how natural light would move through the vertical planes throughout the day and across seasons. This guided the placement of openings, fins, and voids with surgical accuracy.

Material detailing and construction coordination — Advanced modeling helped communicate complex intersections between structure, glazing, and finishes to engineers and contractors, reducing errors on site.

Integration of smart systems — Although the architecture appears clean and minimal, the infrastructure beneath it uses modern technology for lighting control, HVAC, and security—quietly hidden so nothing interrupts the visual purity.

In short, technology in this project is like the invisible skeleton beneath a sculpture: it supports, strengthens, and sharpens the design without ever trying to steal the spotlight. It allows the house to look simple while being highly sophisticated.

Yes — although “Abstract House” is driven by a strong artistic and sculptural vision, it’s also deeply informed by analytical thinking and research. The clean simplicity of the design might look effortless, but it’s actually built on careful study and precise decisions.

Designing and realizing “Abstract House” came with a set of challenges that were as intricate as the design itself. Sculptural minimalism may look calm and effortless, but behind that serenity is a lot of intense problem-solving.
One of the biggest challenges was achieving precision in execution. The concept relies on clean vertical planes, sharp edges, and perfect alignments. Even a small construction error can disturb the rhythm of the entire façade. Coordinating between design intent and actual on-site construction required constant dialogue and technical refinement.

The decision to submit “Abstract House” to an international design competition came from a clear belief: when a project carries a strong architectural language and a distinct idea, it deserves to be shared on a global stage.

Designing “Abstract House” was more than just a creative exercise — it was a deep personal and professional evolution. A concept this pure and demanding becomes a mirror; it reflects not only how you design, but how you think.

Yes — there’s one important layer that often gets overlooked in formal questions: the emotional and human dimension of the design process.

“Abstract House” isn’t just a collection of clean planes and clever details. It’s also a story about how space can shape feeling. Every corner, opening, and void was designed not just to look elegant, but to make the person inside feel something—a sense of calm, lightness, and connection to their surroundings. Architecture isn’t only about form; it’s about how the form speaks to the human inside it.

Another aspect worth highlighting is how the project became a personal manifesto. It distilled years of design experience—architectural, interior, and landscape—into one pure statement. This house represents not just a project, but a philosophy of design: minimalism as poetry, structure as sculpture, and light as the main building material.

And finally, the fact that the design is under construction adds a living dimension. It’s not frozen as a drawing or rendering; it’s evolving daily, tested by the real world. That’s when architecture stops being an idea and becomes a living thing.

In short, this project isn’t just about walls and shapes. It’s about a clear vision, an emotional intention, and the discipline to see it through. That’s what gives “Abstract House” its true weight beyond awards or publications.

Grand Interview about Abstract House Residential Home

In Abstract House, I sought to reinterpret this classic element in a way that aligns with modern living. The courtyard was reimagined as a central, open-air space that acts as a natural focal point, drawing light and airflow into the home, while its surrounding walls provide privacy and shield the interior from the external environment. By incorporating minimalist materials and clean lines, I preserved the timeless essence of the traditional courtyard but presented it in a way that complements the home’s sleek, abstract design.This fusion of past and present informed my broader design philosophy, where cultural traditions are honored, yet expressed in new, contemporary forms. The result is a home that respects the local heritage while offering a forward-thinking approach to space, functionality, and aesthetics.

The water feature is designed to enhance the visual flow of the home, acting as both a transitional space and a symbolic bridge between the external environment and the internal experience. Its reflective surface captures light and the surrounding architecture, creating a dynamic interaction with the home’s materials and structures. This element embodies the core concept of bridging traditional and contemporary architecture by using a familiar, cultural motif—water—but presenting it in a simplified, sleek form that aligns with the modern aesthetic of the home.In the overall narrative, the water feature marks the entrance as a threshold, where the calming, reflective qualities of water invite visitors into the home, setting the tone for a seamless fusion of heritage and modernity. It serves as a visual and sensory link between the past and the present, enhancing the home’s narrative of cultural continuity within a contemporary context.

The narrow passage was initially conceived as a way to define distinct zones within the home, creating a sense of separation between public and private areas without sacrificing the openness and transparency typical of modern design. The 30-meter length of the passage allowed for a deep visual connection across the house, while the central garden served as a calming focal point that brings nature into the heart of the home, enhancing the sense of serenity.The decision to use double-glazed glass was driven by both functional and aesthetic considerations. It maximizes natural light and provides unobstructed views of the garden, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. At the same time, it ensures insulation and soundproofing, maintaining the home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Culturally, the design had to respect the strong local emphasis on privacy, which is deeply rooted in Kuwaiti architecture. To address this, the transparency of the glass was balanced with the strategic use of design elements such as strategic shading, protective walls, and carefully positioned landscaping. These elements shield the interior from direct view, allowing the glass to remain open and expansive without sacrificing privacy.Moreover, the use of frosted or tinted glass in certain areas further enhanced privacy without compromising the aesthetic goals of transparency and lightness. This careful balance ensures that the home remains in harmony with cultural values, offering both openness and seclusion, while maintaining an inviting, contemporary design that fosters a strong connection with the outdoors.

Concrete finish was selected for its raw, industrial quality, which grounds the design in a sense of permanence and strength. Concrete is a material that evokes modernity and minimalism, and in this home, it serves as the structural backbone, creating a solid, tactile foundation that contrasts beautifully with the more refined materials used elsewhere. The use of concrete also echoes traditional architectural forms found in the region, where mass and solid structures are key elements of local design.White sigma—a refined, smooth, and light finish—was chosen to complement the concrete’s weightiness and create an airy, luminous contrast. This material enhances the sense of openness and spaciousness, reflecting light and contributing to the home’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. White also symbolizes purity and simplicity, aligning with the home’s modern, unadorned design language.Black marble was selected for its sophisticated, luxurious texture and deep, contrasting color. It introduces a sense of elegance and timelessness, creating a refined juxtaposition against the other materials. The black marble serves as an anchor within the interior spaces, offering visual weight and grounding the more ethereal, lighter finishes of concrete and white sigma. This contrast between light and dark materials not only enhances the aesthetic impact but also represents the balance between tradition and modernity in the home’s design.

The decision to add multiple levels was influenced by the need to balance privacy with openness. By expanding vertically, we were able to create distinct zones within the home—public, semi-public, and private areas—while maintaining a sense of openness and fluidity. The upper levels allow for private bedrooms and quiet spaces, elevating the home above street-level noise and activity, and providing enhanced views of the surrounding landscape. The lower levels remain focused on communal areas, such as the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, ensuring that these areas stay connected to the outdoors through the use of large glass elements and open floor plans.The vertical expansion also allowed for the inclusion of a central garden and the strategic placement of outdoor spaces across different levels, creating a dynamic connection between nature and the home. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the residence but also provides opportunities for interaction with nature at different heights, offering unique experiences of light, shadow, and air circulation at various times of the day.

Functionally, the courtyard acts as a climatic buffer, allowing for the circulation of fresh air and providing passive cooling by reducing heat buildup in the interior. It also serves as a visual and sensory focal point, offering views from various rooms while maintaining privacy. The use of native plants and water elements within the courtyard further contributes to cooling, creating a microclimate that mitigates the harsh outdoor environment.Aesthetically, the courtyard enhances the home’s design by introducing a natural, organic element that contrasts with the sleek, modern materials of concrete and glass. It brings a sense of tranquility and balance to the interior spaces, fostering a harmonious connection between the built environment and nature. The integration of the courtyard creates a visual flow, allowing light to penetrate deep into the home, while the strategic placement of walls and glass ensures that privacy is maintained from the outside.

To address this delicate equilibrium, I employed several strategies: 1. Strategic Placement of Windows: The window openings were carefully placed to provide maximum light and ventilation while maintaining privacy. Windows facing the street or other homes were kept minimal and strategically positioned high on the walls or behind protective features like concrete slabs or screens. This ensures that the interiors are not exposed to public view while still benefiting from natural light. 2. Use of Shading Devices: To control the intensity of sunlight, particularly in Kuwait’s hot climate, I integrated architectural elements such as overhangs, concrete fins, and sliding screens. These not only provide shade but also filter natural light, creating soft, diffused light inside the home, which enhances comfort while respecting privacy. 3. Floor-to-Ceiling Glass with Vertical Gardens: For a more open feel, floor-to-ceiling glass panels were incorporated in private areas, such as the central courtyard, but these were often surrounded by tall vertical gardens or framed with architectural elements that shielded the view from external observers. This allowed for expansive views without sacrificing privacy, bringing a connection to nature into the home. 4. Glass and Reflective Materials: In areas where more transparency was desired, such as the central courtyard or living areas, I used high-quality, double-glazed glass to ensure energy efficiency while maintaining a sense of openness. The

1. Client’s Vision and Preferences: Early in the design process, the client expressed a desire for a home that balanced privacy with openness, incorporated modern aesthetics, and responded to the climate and cultural context of Kuwait. This feedback helped shape the overall direction of the project, guiding decisions such as the inclusion of a central courtyard for natural ventilation, the use of high-performance materials like double-glazed glass, and the strategic placement of windows to enhance light and views without compromising privacy. 2. Adaptation of Space and Functionality: As the design evolved, the client’s input on how they envisioned the use of space played a pivotal role in the layout. They wanted the home to function as a flexible space that accommodated both social gatherings and quiet, private retreats. This feedback influenced the decision to incorporate distinct zones, with the central courtyard serving as a focal point, and the integration of multi-level living areas to create separation between public and private spaces. 3. Material Selection: The client’s preferences for luxurious, timeless materials also played a key role in the selection of finishes like concrete, black marble, and white sigma. Their desire for an elegant, modern aesthetic with a sense of permanence and natural beauty guided the choices of materials that would not only enhance the visual appeal but also withstand the harsh climate.

1. Integration of Modernity with Tradition: The design of Abstract House reflects an evolving architectural dialogue that blends modern materials and techniques with traditional cultural values, such as privacy and respect for the natural environment. Future projects in Kuwait may follow this approach, incorporating modern aesthetics and cutting-edge technologies while still addressing the deep-rooted cultural preferences for seclusion, family-oriented living, and connection to nature. 2. Climate-Responsive Design: Given Kuwait’s harsh desert climate, there is growing recognition of the need for climate-responsive architecture. Abstract House exemplifies how design can address environmental challenges through strategic use of materials, shading, and passive cooling systems like the central courtyard. This project could inspire more designers to incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable design solutions, such as passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and smart climate control, to reduce reliance on mechanical systems and enhance the home’s comfort. 3. Privacy with Transparency: The way Abstract House addresses the delicate balance between openness and privacy, especially through its carefully considered window openings, glass elements, and strategic landscaping, could inspire future designs to explore innovative ways to create transparent, light-filled interiors without compromising cultural values around privacy. This could lead to a more nuanced approach to spatial planning in residential architecture, where privacy and openness coexist seamlessly.

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