UDesign Makes A Royal Debut in Saudi Arabia
The Marbella-based interior design studio has styled a regal palace on the outskirts of Riyadh, combining elements of nature, bold colours and bespoke art
Likening interior design to an abstract art form, award-winning Marbella-based architecture and design studio, UDesign has just made its debut in the Kingdom with a newly fashioned palace in Riyadh. Characterised by timeless elements of a luxury hotel and family home alike, the large-scale private residence is designed to cater to both individual and entertainment needs.
“This project was all about combining different styles and also learning about Middle Eastern culture, while trying to find the perfect balance between the contemporary style that the client requested and the classic, which is the basis of their culture,” says Jason Harris, CEO and Creative Director of UDesign.
The palace is contemporary in its shape and structure, yet traditional in the use of Arabic references and impressive forms such as an architectural dome adorned in ancient patterns.
With green floor-to-ceiling, onyx backlit panels from Italy and a white-gold colour palette with pops of purple, the aesthetic is reminiscent of an inner courtyard of a classic Andalusian cortijo – a traditional rural dwelling in Spain.
“The Alhambra palace style was brought to Andalusia in the first place from the Arab world,” shares Jason. “And now, to some extent, it has gone back there, in a kind of Mediterranean remix of architectural style.”
A striking, large-scale light installation inspired by a shoal of fish and sourced from Dubai-based Sans Souci hangs above a custom, locally made stone sculpture, lending a regal and artistic appeal. Purple and green tones mingle for an inviting, vibrant space recalling a European holiday home in the Middle East.
“It is all about style, colour, warmth, lighting, comfort, functionality and flow,” Jason explains. “These are all important features that contribute to the living experience. The foundation of our projects starts with the functionality and the spatial planning.”
The most important ingredient? “Natural light is most important to get right and, ultimately, it defines a well-designed home.”
Clean, symmetrical lines and forms shape the home’s stately, eclectic identity, with white natural stone flooring and gold mosaic inlays added for balance and warmth.
The grand entrance is illuminated at nighttime in an array of colours through the strategically placed water features, highlighting the diverse design details. “This is an anticipation of what’s to come, because the same motifs are continued inside.”
Furniture pieces of note include a handmade black-and-white statement rug from Portuguese brand Rug’Society, deep purple Tom Dixon wingback armchairs placed under the lush greenery of indoor palms, standing lamps designed by Dutch tastemaker Marcel Wanders, and contemporary white sofas and consoles from luxury design house, Boca do Lobo.
Bathed in an abundance of daylight, the fit-for-royalty abode is filled with natural elements such as trees, plants, stones and water, creating an ideal balance between palatial and homey. “Saudi Arabia is a hot country with very few green hills or trees,” expresses Jason.
“Everything outside is generally a desert. For that reason, we wanted to create a private, self-contained oasis both around and within the core structure, with an imposing entrance to allow an uninterrupted view of the entire façade.”
The visual grandeur of the exterior is primordial in any project UDesign works on, with the “feel-good factor” behind the design process being the main driving force – key to the longevity of any home.
“We believe that being an international company, with worldwide projects as well as having a team with people from Spain, Italy, Romania, UK, Holland, Lebanon, Morocco and more, allows us to create tailored designs based on any situation, location, environment or culture.”
For more information, please visit www.udesign.es
From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Summer 2021 issue.