Casa Amal by The Stella Collective

Situated in Dubai’s Al Wasl neighbourhood, Casa Amal is an architectural paragon that sits at the intersection of traditional orientalism, Arabian modernism and slow luxury.

Characterised by sandy hues, delicate perforations and light-filled spaces, the contemporary dwelling, designed by Melbourne-based design practice The Stella Collective, reflects the historic land it inhabits and upholds the studio’s ethos that design should be local to the surroundings. A calming sanctuary, Casa Amal is an elegant tapestry of interior and exterior spaces that coalesce at premeditated intervals.

A calming sanctuary, Casa Amal is an elegant tapestry of interior and exterior spaces that coalesce at premeditated intervals.

Casa Amal’s aesthetic is informed by the Arabian architectural renaissance of the 1970s. The custom clay arched breeze blocks on the facade, for example, are a modernist reimagination of traditional mashrabiya, the wooden lattice screens found in traditional Arabic architecture. They provide ventilation and views while projecting an ever-changing mosaic of sunlight and shadows throughout the day. Other nods to mashrabiya include the perforated travertine wall behind the staircase and the honeycomb doors leading to the gardens, which together allow nature to be an active participant in the design.

The linear nature of the architecture is counterbalanced by curving walls and five-metre-high arches that pay homage to Moorish architecture. “We combined a traditional render with Italian travertine for the facade such that it appears monolithic and changes colour as the day wears on. In addition, the strategic use of greenery enhances the overall luscious escapism experience,” says Hana Hakim, principal of The Stella Collective, who espoused a similar approach for the bathrooms in the way of tiled mosaic vanities.

“The strategic use of greenery enhances the overall luscious escapism experience,” says Hana Hakim, principal of The Stella Collective.

When it came to the palette, The Stella Collective exercised tactful restraint. “We chose soulful light play, comfortable clean lines, monumental proportions and textured and soothing finishes,” notes Hakim. The palette borrows from nature, channelling a golden glow that complements the natural light. Sand-toned travertine warms the floor, while olive green mosaic tiles emblazon an array of bathroom vessels. “The mood is of effortless luxury. It’s deeply rooted in orientalism but without being overly themed. It breaks free from tradition while still echoing a sense of modern, oriental-chic elegance,” says Hakim.

The home’s centrepiece is a summer courtyard that plays host to a swimming pool. As Hana explains, no room is truly secluded: “All rooms have a visual connection to the garden oasis that surrounds the property through perforated screens or steel framed glass doors.”

Architecture and interior design by The Stella Collective.  Build by Emirates Sands Contracting and Al Saraya Engineering Consultants. Landscape design by Kamelia Landscape Design.