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    Pallavi Dean wins us over with a minimalist villa in Jumeirah Islands, making it one of Dubai’s most covetable address

    JUL 21, 2020 | By Sakshi Rai
    The seamless living room and open kitchen allow visual connectivity; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Muted furnishings lend an openness to the living room; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Smoked bronze mirrored columns anchor the kitchen; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Cabinets in sombre shades conceal kitchen appliances, including a wine fridge; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Chic dining stools and a breakfast bar from Poggenpohl are seen here; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom offer breathtaking views of the artificial lake; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    A soak tub with an envious view and dual shower with inbuilt seating characterise the master washroom; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde
    Another view of the bathroom reveals his and her vanities and suspended shelves; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde

    Jumeirah Islands, already one of Dubai’s most desirable addresses, is home to a sprawling villa that’ll make you want to move to the Emirates immediately. This 5,000 sq ft home, conceptualised by Pallavi Dean, not only regales with its sheer size but also the endearing emotional context that stemmed its being.

    Indeed, it comes as a significant chapter in a young family’s journey to becoming parents for the first time. The clients wanted a fresh start to this new phase of their life and wished for a property that would evolve as they did. And so, simplicity and spaciousness make up the underlying theme that binds the home together. 

    Founded by Dean in 2013, Dubai based practice Roar prides itself in its human centric design approach. “Our creative philosophy is centred around client empathy. We consider it important to understand what they would like to achieve with the space before we add our inputs and expertise. I think of us designers as anthropologists or sociologists because we study human interactions and reactions to an area,” she adds.

    The double-heighted entrance foyer makes for a dramatic gateway; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde

    Using her background in architecture to further connect the interiors with the scenic surroundings, Dean proposed a reconstruction of the building’s facade to dramatically open it up. Floor-to-ceiling windows were installed, which created a greater sense of light and volume within.

    Wall mounted artworks and an inbuilt bookshelf frame this corridor; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde

    Overlooking an artificial lake, this double-storeyed property is characterised by its numerous monolithic constructions. In keeping with the fresh and airy ambience, the setting dons a neutral palette. To iterate the residence’s openness, even the supporting columns have been clad in smoked bronze mirror to harmonise the home. 

    Bocci lights illuminate the modular kitchen setup; Photographs by Maha Nasra Edde

    The entrance foyer is flanked on either side by full length joinery units that create a bespoke, double-heighted passageway leading to the living room and a lounge-cum-library. A kitchen island, guest room, indoor courtyard and powder unit also occupy this level. The floor upstairs caters to the more private areas, including three ensuite bedrooms and a kids playroom.

    We love the use of large porcelain tiles that resemble terracotta or concrete (where necessary) for their clean, seamless finish. To aid in achieving this minimalist finish are lights from Vibia and Flos. Furniture from Parachilna and VitrA is set alongside custom designed pieces and locally fabricated millwork.