TARRAZ | From Earth to Sky
Riyadh, KSA.
type
Landscape Design
Project Story
The narrative of Tarraz is one of deliberate pilgrimage. It begins with the building’s strong, linear presence—a horizontal line drawn against the landscape. This form creates a sense of calm and order, guiding you into its embrace. The initial experience is one of grounding, of being held within solid, protective walls of earth-toned stone.
But soon, the home reveals its true purpose. The linear path gives way to a grand staircase, an invitation to journey upward. This is not merely a functional element but the heart of the home’s story. As you begin to climb, you are flanked by tiers of raw concrete planters, overflowing with greenery. The steps and the garden ascend together, creating a “vertical garden” that transforms the transition into an immersive natural experience. The air grows cooler, the sounds of the home fall away, and your focus is drawn upward.
The final steps deliver you into the destination: an open court carved from the center of the building. This is a tranquil, sun-drenched void—a private piece of the sky. Surrounded by the architecture of the home yet completely open to the elements, it is a space of profound peace and connection. It is a room with no ceiling, where the only decoration is the shifting clouds and the light of the sun.
Tarraz is a carefully orchestrated journey. It is a home that doesn’t just contain life but guides it, leading you on a slow, green ascent from the earth to your own private sky. designed as a true retirement haven, a place where he and his wife could not only enjoy their golden years in utmost comfort but also gather with their beloved grandchildren in Egypt. The apartment stands as a testament to a life well-lived, offering a serene and luxurious backdrop for family gatherings and quiet contemplation, all while embodying the pinnacle of modern, intelligent design.
Scope
2D & 3D design package, including architectural form, central court, and integrated landscape design.
Style
Refined Luxury with Modern Touches
The Vision: A Journey Upward :
At Tarraz, our goal was to design more than a home; we wanted to craft an experience. The vision was to create a private world that unfolds vertically—a residence where the journey upward is central to its identity. We imagined a structure that guides its inhabitants from the security of the ground floor toward an open-to-sky sanctuary, with nature as a constant companion. This is a home designed for quiet ascent, where architecture and landscape merge into a single, seamless narrative.
Design Strategy: Linear Procession
Our strategy was one of linear procession, focusing on creating a powerful sense of direction and discovery. The building’s elongated form acts as a horizontal anchor, establishing a clear path of movement. This deliberate linearity is designed to guide and then gracefully surrender to the home’s true centerpiece: a grand staircase that doesn’t just connect levels, but elevates the soul.
This staircase becomes more than a passage; it is a destination in itself. At its heart, rising from the ground floor and reaching for the open sky, stands a magnificent Plumeria Alba tree. This living sculpture is the anchor around which the entire home pivots. The entire architectural composition—the linear approach, the ascending steps, the open court above—is orchestrated to lead you toward and around this singular, fragrant presence, transforming the simple act of moving through the home into a ceremonial experience.
A Symphony of Materials
The soul of Tarraz is found in a focused palette of materials chosen for their texture, integrity, and ability to harmonize with nature.
- Primary Surfaces: We chose a light, sand-colored travertine for the planter pots and walls, its natural veining and porous texture lending an organic, earthy quality to the spaces. This monolithic use of stone creates a sense of being carved from a single block.
- The Ascent: The steps leading to the court are crafted from dark grey stones , but with a honed finish to give them a subtle sheen and a smoother feel underfoot, distinguishing the path of ascension.
Color Palette: A Study in Light and Shadow:
The color story is intentionally restrained, allowing the textures of the materials and the vibrant green of the foliage to become the main visual elements.
- Foundation: The palette is built on the warm, creamy tones of travertine and the neutral gray of raw concrete. This creates a serene canvas that beautifully catches and reflects the changing light throughout the day.
- Accents: The deepest, most vibrant color comes from the lush greenery within the planters. This is complemented by the stark, grounding presence of matte black steel, which adds definition and a touch of modern elegance.
Status
Completed– 2024







