nasayem

blessed by the constant and ever present breeze of saadiyat island, nasayem—an arabic term meaning “gentle winds”— is a private residence that recognises wind not as an external force to resist, but as a co-creator in the built environment. inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and artisanal legacy of desert tribes, the design harmonises communal gathering with intimate retreat, creating a sanctuary that balances connection and solitude.

the colour palette and materiality draws directly from the desert landscape—neutral, natural, and quietly expressive, inviting balance and harmony. handmade teak latticework screens inspired by bedouin geometric motifs define thresholds between public and private realms while modulating transparency and airflow. a double-height central courtyard serves as a central gathering space and passive cooling system, while the open mezzzanine above establishes visual and spatial connections.

nasayem is a testament to sensory storytelling, light, wind, and heritage converge. it is a retreat that honours its roots while embracing a living narrative of place, memory, and the gentle persistence of the desert’s breath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chalet nê

sheltering an itinerant family of four with roots in the east and west, chalet nê celebrates and encapsulates the warmth, sense of community, and artistry of east asian mountain cultures from its perch in the french alps. reflecting local building techniques and a sensitive gathering of resources from the chalet’s natural context, we symbolise the reverence early mountain tribes held for nature and its living denizens.

a steep cascade of pitched roofs topped with local larch wood shingles recall the peaks of the alps and himalayas, while ancestral stone wall patterns and intricate carpentry define the stalwart walls upholding the cavernous roofs. doorframe entrances and balustrade carvings pay homage to the drukgyel dzong monastery in bhutan, complemented by the la chaux plaster tempering the grain of the space’s reclaimed wood panels.

true to its savoyard name, chalet nê serves as a nest, ready to recharge its inhabitants for their next journey into exploration and discovery.

the ravine

 

nestled within the heart of ubud’s forests, a space intertwines architecture, nature, and culture to form a residential landmark that transcends the boundaries of the natural and the man-made. named after the steep gorges that shape the area, the ravine captures the reverence of bali for its landscape, standing as an offering of gratitude towards the culture that has breathed it into existence.

the beauty of this secluded abode sits in its layers – intricately designed architecture with a foundation of brick, stone, and concrete softening into wood, bamboo, and leaves. every line and shape pays homage to balinese craftsmanship, with bespoke furniture and lighting inspired by the silhouettes of the region’s heritage of wood carving and traditional instruments.