Living Room Alt Angle • Ashjar E1, Ashjar, Al Barari, Dubai, UAE
A large circular light fixture dominates the ceiling, its form 'cut' with a darker insert. Built-in shelving makes way for a deep, dark wood recess for a vast art piece. An oversized, low-slung sofa deliberately narrows the circulation path. Polished concrete floors feature an unpolished stone inlay that abruptly ends.
This room applies volume play and asymmetrical balance. Forms appear compressed or cut short. A small, ornate lounge chair counters monumental shapes. The entire space re-proportions through strategic visual interruptions.
Strategic visual interruptions dynamically re-proportion this space.
Design Philosophy
This design explores the 'Truncated Plane' concept. It achieves dynamic re-proportioning through strategic visual interruptions. 'Volume play' is evident in deliberately compressed or cut-short elements. 'Asymmetrical balance' introduces a new appreciation for what remains and what is introduced.
Spatial Narrative
Your eye is immediately drawn to the large, segmented light fixture on the ceiling. You then notice the expansive art piece set deep within the wall recess. Walking past the oversized sofa, a deliberately narrowed path guides you towards the intimate lounge chair.
Light Study
Abundant morning light floods the room from the east-facing windows, highlighting the concrete floor's polished surface. It illuminates the texture of the dark wood recess and creates sharp shadows. Evening brings a softer, diffused glow, emphasizing the internal lighting of the 'cut' ceiling fixture.
Living Vignette
From the low-slung sofa, one can observe the intricate details of the distant art piece. The undersized lounge chair offers a focused perch for contemplation.
Material Palette
Polished concrete: It feels cool and smooth, developing a subtle sheen and patina over time.
Dark textured wood veneer: It offers a tactile, deep surface that gains character from daily interaction.
Soft low-pile wool: It provides quiet comfort underfoot and softens with use without losing structure.
