We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Ahmed Habib about their original and creative Private House design work. Ahmed Habib is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original private house works.
Ahmed Habib ("AH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work The Cube Private House. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
AH : Conceptual idea was to explore the architectural relation between solid and void through addition and subtraction within a cube, creating a dialogue between indoor and outdoor. Floor plan design is based on 2 shifted masses creating an internal atrium (includes air conditioning system which will help to enjoy the garden experience throughout the year) and 2 external courts in the front and rear inspired from traditional houses. Shifting direction was chosen based on 2 aspects; Cultural and privacy obscuring the south side neighbors view & environmental, creating more natural ventilation & providing needed shade to the front yard. Regarding the inspiration, the two imposing stone walls that were inspired by ancient temples creating an approach with the moat like bridge to the house main entrance. The central black metal screen design was inspired by an Islamic pattern and external courts were inspired from Arabic traditional houses.
AH : My main focus while designing this project was to create a quality living experience and redefine the image of a residential building in Kuwait while maintaining the climate requirements and privacy needs dictated by the Arab culture.
AH : This Project is a private residence for one of our clients in Kuwait and was commissioned by him.
AH : We are going to hire sub-contractors to assist us in constructing the building
AH : I wanted to redefine the image of residential buildings in Kuwait. Most residential buildings in this region are typical and not up to the level of decent design standards.
AH : Architect. Ahmed Albaghli
AH : The name was inspired from the design concept as the massing was based on addition and subtraction within a cube.
AH : Free hand sketching, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Archicad & 3ds Max
AH : I think the idea itself is the most unique aspect of this design, by creating this relation between the internal & External Gardens, Bridge Entrance, the 2 Main Walls and the Cube framing.
AH : Yes. The Design team was as following: Design Director: Ahmed Habib, Assistant Design Architect: Sveva Salimbene, Assistant Design Architect: Mostafa Al Haj, Assistant Technical Architect: Anya Petrova, 3D Visualization: Oleksandr Bakhmatskyi and Presentation Graphics: Ahmed Guoshy
AH : Technology is playing an important role when it comes to the construction of this design. The Curtain Wall system, the in/out pool with hydraulic platform, the laser Cutting Steel Screen and many more other design elements are based on building construction technology.
AH : The Cube house Research abstract was as following: 1- Data Collection Research 2- Cultural & Social Research 3- Design Direction Research (Mood board) 4- Technical Research 5- Environmental Research 6- Landscape Research 7- Presentation Graphics Research
AH : I faced more than one challenge during the process of designing this project, for example: 1-The client requested several separate entrances with a high solid boundary wall where the plot is only accessible from the front. 2-Based on the data collection the Architectural design direction was very challenging It was a mixture of Modern & Luxury design with traditional accents using natural materials. 3-Height limitation, Setbacks & maximum Built up area was dictated by Kuwait Architecture Regulations.
AH : When I design any project, I always try to focus on learning new technical things as much as possible, but on this particular project I learned that creating a good team with a positive spirit is extremely important.
