Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2025
Greystone House
by Ahmed Habib
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Luxentti
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 19,554
- Verification code 6E43519EEE · Verify this award
About Greystone House
Greystone is a house located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The design combines minimalist forms with a close link to nature. Clean lines and a palette of gray stone, matt walnut wood and off white stucco define the exterior. Large double glazed windows bring in natural light and frame landscape views from every room. The ground floor holds the reception, dining and daily living areas, while the bedrooms are placed on the first floor for privacy. An outdoor deck with seating, a pool and a gym extend the living space. Separate entrances serve the family, guests and the garden.
Ahmed Habib's Greystone House emerges within the distinguished lineage of Mediterranean modernism, where vernacular building traditions intersect with contemporary spatial philosophy to produce architecture that appears simultaneously rooted and forward-looking. The design demonstrates sophisticated understanding of regional material culture, employing locally resonant limestone in horizontal coursework that references ancient construction techniques while achieving crisp contemporary expression through precise joint detailing and monolithic massing. The tower element, rising with almost ceremonial presence, establishes vertical hierarchy within the composition while its material weight grounds the building firmly within its landscape context, a dialogue between aspiration and belonging that characterizes the finest regional architecture. The designer exhibits notable sensitivity to outdoor living traditions, orchestrating the courtyard as an extended interior where carefully positioned furniture, sculptural vessels, and the commanding presence of a mature olive tree create an environment for contemplation and gathering that honors the cultural significance of threshold spaces in warm-climate dwelling. The integration of natural stone boulders demonstrates commitment to landscape authenticity, their geological character establishing material continuity between cultivated garden and built form while providing textural counterpoint to the refined architectural surfaces. Chromatic restraint throughout reveals sophisticated understanding of how Mediterranean light transforms neutral surfaces, the subtle warmth of cream stucco playing against cool grey limestone to create visual richness without chromatic competition. The retention of the ancient olive tree signals respect for temporal continuity, acknowledging that meaningful architecture participates in durational narratives extending beyond the immediate moment of construction. Technical accomplishment manifests in the seamless transition between interior and exterior suggested by extensive glazing, the careful proportioning of solid to void, and the evident quality of material execution that rewards close observation. What enduring human desires for shelter, beauty, and connection to nature might this dwelling address, and how does its formal language speak to contemporary aspirations for living in harmonious dialogue with place?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Introducing the Greystone House, a remarkable residential project in Jeddah that redefines the essence of architectural design. This visionary endeavor seeks to elevate the living experience while embracing climate requirements and respecting cultural considerations, including privacy. The design approach prioritizes the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that every space within the house enjoys captivating landscape views.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- -Plot area: 2,000 sqm
-Foot Print: 650 sqm
-Built up area: 1,250 sqm
-Height: 15 meters - Tags
- Architecture, Villa, House, Design, Residential, Modern, Landscape, Jeddah, Saudi
- Production Technology
- -Main Structure: Concrete -Main Architectural Finishes: Gray Stone,Matt Walnut Wood, Off White & Beige Stucco Paint, Double Glazed Glass with dar gray aluminium profiles, Perforated GRC Pattern.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge lay in harmonizing traditional living with modern minimalism, all while prioritizing functionality & environmental synergy. Utilizing local, sustainable materials that upheld structural integrity was essential. Thoughtful management of natural light & landscape views required meticulous planning to elevate the living experience. Additionally, navigating local regulations & budget constraints influenced the design, ensuring practicality without compromising cultural authenticity.
- Project Duration
- Duration: The project design Process started in February 2023 and finished in August 2023 Location: Jeddah, KSA
- Operation Flow
- The Greystone House features distinct entrances tailored for different needs: the main entrance for family, a guest entrance for formal occasions, and garden entrances that provide direct access to outdoor areas. The ground floor includes a spacious reception and dining area, along with indoor daily living spaces, promoting social interaction. Outdoor zones feature a pool and gym, encouraging an active lifestyle. The first floor houses private bedrooms, ensuring tranquility. This thoughtful zoning promotes seamless flow and enhances the overall living experience.
- Research
- 1-Data Collection research-Client needs analysis-Client meetings 2-Cultural research-Project Zoning & cultural needs-Social Questionnaire 3-Arch. Design Direction research-General mood board, Massing & Materials-Web based research 4-Arch. Technical research-Identify Construction methodology-Subject Matter Experts & Web based Research 5-Environmental research-Natural Ventilation & Sun light-Web based research 6-Landscape research-Hardscape & Softscape design direction-Web based Research 7-Presentation direction research-Matching Graphics to Architecture concept-Web based Research
- Inspiration
- The modern architectural design draws inspiration from the principles of minimalism & the beauty of nature. Characterized by sleek lines & a harmonious blend of white & gray materials, the structure emphasizes open spaces & natural light through large windows. The outdoor area, featuring a wooden deck & comfortable seating, invites relaxation amid greenery, with a central tree serving as a focal point. This design fosters a serene and inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting indoor & outdoor.