Top 3 Architecture Styles of Dubai Villas explained

Dubai has undoubtedly made an impression on the global real estate market with its stunning modern architecture. The city boasts of the finest buildings designed by leading architects from around the world. These buildings form the city’s astounding skyline and considered some of the modern architecture wonders of the world. Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab, Cayan Tower, Jumeirah Beach Hotel are part of this skyline, just to name a few. Considering most of these buildings are commercial entities, one wonders the marvels of residential buildings. Although the size of the plots restrict the creativity of the builder, common styles of home designs have contributed to standardization of buildings for community living based on various parameters such as culture, custom, geography, impact of natural and manmade disasters. Here, we identify the most popular architecture designs suited for and adopted by Dubai’s housing market.

Arab style

The traditional Arab house is characterized by its structural clarity and subtle beauty, which can be visualized as being generated from its plan and scaled by the human body. In fact the forms and spaces of the Arab house were dictated by the habits, traditions, and culture of its inhabitants. Although there were socio-cultural differences in each region, the architecture of the Arab houses retained a common architectural vocabulary, which expressed an outstanding response to both the climate of its specific region as well as the common religious needs. Unlike most of the European houses, which are extroverted to enjoy the maximum amount of the sun-heat, the Arab house is introverted, where family-life looked into a courtyard rather than looking out upon the street. However, the architectural vocabulary which governed the design concept of the Arab house and highlighted its distinctive characteristics were, the majaz (entrance), the courtyard, the combination of the qa‘ah (reception area) and the malqaf (wind-catcher), the takhtabush, (a sitting area between to courtyards) and the mashrabiyyah (wooden lattice bay window). The remarkable traditional houses of medieval Cairo, the stylish facades of Jeddah’s townhouses, the wind-catcher (badgir) of the houses of Dubai’s Bastakia district, and the courtyard houses of Yemen, are all evidence to the rich wealth of the Arab residential architecture.

Mediterranean style

The Mediterranean architectural style has influences from Italy, Spain and other countries and is popular since the early 1900s. Though the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea, it can often be referred to today as “Spanish modern.” Many homes in states that have Spanish history, such as Florida and California, were built in this unique and timeless style. Inspired by Spanish and Mexican works, the red tile roofs, arched doorways, and rough plaster exteriors are typical of classic Mediterranean-style homes. Over time, inspirations from other European countries could be seen in this beautiful ornate style of architecture. The new version of Mediterranean style can be found in the luxurious neighborhood of Jumeirah Golf Estates. This home plan offers a distinct Mediterranean-inspired exterior that is complimented by a spacious interior. This combination yields elegance and sophistication, yet provides relaxed indoor and outdoor living. Mediterranean-style homes are frequently found in states with warm climates due to their ability to remain cool. Inside the home flooring is often made of tile to keep the feet cool on hot days. In the Mediterranean style, open floor plans provide for optimal lighting and air from large windows and balconies. Interiors open into courtyards and patios.

Contemporary style

Creation of interior living spaces with uncommon layouts is the signature style of contemporary. If you are bold enough to live in a house that don’t comply with standard layouts, contemporary architecture is the way to go. The use of new materials for both the interior and the exterior is a key feature of contemporary. Materials deemed to be traditional such as glass, wood, brick, and metals are also preferred. Placing of greenery (plants), on the terrace and creating vertical gardens is a trend with this architecture style. You may want to gravitate towards re-vegetation and grow a vertical garden with creeping cacti or other floral plants that grow well in hot climates and use minimal water.

Large windows are also a characteristic of contemporary architecture. Openings in different areas of the home with positioning in unusual places, panoramic windows, window walls, and skylights have all added to natural lighting concepts for sustainability. This type of architecture works best in a bigger plot size with a large gated area for privacy as the large size of windows need to be managed with suitable blinds and curtains that adds heavily to the interiors cost. In contemporary architecture, sustainable elements are required. In “Biohomes” the use of photovoltaic cells, geothermal heating, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and thermal collectors is considered, with the goal of producing heat in new ways and conserving it. In residential construction, if environmental responsibility is a priority for you, then contemporary architecture is suited as it allows you to build a home that exceeds current environmental standards. The main thing about contemporary architecture is that it tries to distinguish itself from conventional architecture through new architectural ideas. The use of volumes other than cubes makes it possible to create different interior spaces.

To explore more architectural styles to buy a villa, townhouse or Bungalow in Dubai, visit MyVilla.com