Penthouse M

Firmly inspired by the desert and its surroundings, Penthouse M aims to capture the intense connection between human
well being and nature. The neutral palette of off whites, cream and earthy tones of dark browns, greys and blacks reflect
this bond, gently evoking the colors of the Middle East. The materials and textures used were also inspired by nature,
creating an overall ambience that gives a sense of simplicity and nobility within the space. The limited range of materials
used were sou rced locally, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and eco friendly design.
Designed for an Emarati artist, the project was inspired by the concept of a home
studio that resembles a plain, pure
canvas. The client's desire was an extraordinary achi evement which boasts clean lines, authentic materials and a
breathtaking use of furniture within rooms with lots of negative space, imparting a sense of calm, freedom and harmony.
Following the client's wish, VSHD Design selected materials inspired by the nature, including textured stone, weathered
timber, and chalk paint made from clay. The use of natural materials in the apartment gives each space a welcoming
feeling, a vital atmosphere needed by everyone in a place they call home. After having studied th e lines, the texture and
the color, the materials were selected with care and correctly combined so as not to be rigid or cold and to guarantee the
desired result: the creation of a functional but warm home, which reflects the values of purity and authenti city.
According to the concept of an artist's home, VSHD aimed to focus on a real open space, without separation, while
leaving freedom for movement within the space. This, therefore, involves an opening of the mind and a simpler journey of
ideas for an a rtist, without obstacles or external blocks, as if it were a real canvas to begin with. To achieve it, VSHD
made several architectural changes to the pre existing structure. All the original walls were stripped allowing light to
travel more freely into the space and blurring the boundaries between the different functions of each room. Every window
was refitted with bigger panes of glass to create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Design
changes included covering the entirety of the liv ing room floor with cement flooring to match the walls and ceiling plaster
finish. Existing doors were replaced with frameless full height doors to give a minimalist look so they appear like one
continuous surface. All hardware was then replaced with a bru shed dark nickel finish that reflects the color of plaster and
disappears in the space. Additionally, the shell of the apartment (doors, cupboards, ceiling, and walls) has been done in a
plaster finish endowing it with a clay like organic texture. The layo ut of the kitchen and its cupboards have been replaced
with a sleeker design using high quality materials and concealed equipment. In line with the simplistic and organic feel of
the apartment, all air conditioning grills and existing lighting were redesig ned and integrated in the overall design to
become hidden and seamless and fixtures to enhance the mood and ambiance accordingly. The terrace layout was also
enhanced by replacing the decking finish and adding a shaded area. The outdoor landscape has been modified to give it
privacy and enhance the view.
VSHD Design philosophy prioritizes sustainability and eco friendliness, with a strong emphasis on sourcing materials
locally. The studio made a conscious choice to enhance the design and atmosphere of Pent house M by featuring
artworks created by local artists, keeping the Middle Eastern creative community alive and included. A prominent
example of this link with local artists, is the artwork placed in the living room, made solely from camel skin (Marwan
Mak toum, Untitled, 2022). Right at the entrance, the stunning artwork of the Dubai based multidisciplinary artist, Latifa
Saeed, that uses an accumulation of 100 varieties of earth sediment, sand and particles from UAE to create something
unique of its kind, recalls in a surprising way the sand of the nearby desert and attempts to hold ’ it between two melted
glass sheets (Latifa Saeed, Ephemeral Landscapes. 2021). In the Studio two architectural models in mixed media on
paper are placed on two adjacent walls (Al Mazrou Shaikha, Irrational figures, wood veneer on paper, 2022). The outdoor
terrace has a tent like structure that overlooks the Dubai Skyline, which clearly reflects the progress of a city which has
been growing exponentially since the 90s, turning i nto a cultural & design hub.