Island Villa is a private residence designed by SAOTA, with interiors by ARRCC, a project that redefines barefoot luxury through elemental architecture and a deeply rooted sense of place. Designed on Jumeirah Bay Island, the home’s pavilion-like structures appear to float above the landscape. SAOTA’s design emphasises fluid connections between spaces and climate responsiveness.
Jumeirah Bay Islands is an exclusive, man-made island off the coast of Jumeirah, Dubai. The seahorse-shaped island by Meraas is connected to the mainland via a 300-meter bridge. The island offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, private beach access, world-class dining, and premium leisure facilities.
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECT SAOTA
INTERIOR DESIGN ARRCC
LOCAL CONSULTANT High Performance Directive (HPD)
CONTRACTOR Al Tayer Stocks (ATS)
ENGINEERS High Performance Directive (HPD)
QUALITY SURVEYOR High Performance Directive (HPD)
LIGHTING DESIGN Lightistry
LANDSCAPE DESIGN NLME
ART CONSULTANT RESERVOIR
Materials, Finishes, Furnishings:
It’s a contemporary building with a particular aesthetic. The crispness of the designs is contrasted with tactile use of materials.
It’s always important for us that the projects feel lived in and they complement our clients’ lifestyles, and that’s often achieved by the use of materials that are not high polished, precious materials, but rather have a beautiful, patina and aging.
The materials in this villa that are quite successful are the rough stone cladding on the exterior, referencing coral stone, the copper in the screens and roof cladding and the generous use of interior timber finishes.
Paint Colours:
The home’s palette is anchored by natural materials. Oak is a key element, chosen for its warmth and humility – balancing the architecture beautifully. We’ve combined it with travertine, marble, and other honest stones, supported by neutral textiles and leathers.
Metal accents are used sparingly, allowing the textures and tones of the natural materials to take precedence. The result is an environment that feels calm, timeless, and quietly refined.
Project Goals (client and architect/designer):
Island Villa’s interiors draw inspiration from Scandinavian Luxe. A design language renowned for its restraint, authenticity, and a grounded interpretation of luxury. It shifts the focus from opulence to simplicity, honesty in materials, generous spatiality, and an intentional way of living.
Above: Patinated copper accents echo regional craft traditions while providing solar protection and fine articulation.
Above: Sculptural copper and GRP screens introduce privacy and texture, enriching the villa’s expressive form.
Above: A sculptural stone-and-screen façade, inspired by box kites and coral, filters light and softens the street presence.
Above: The entry sequence balances transparency and seclusion, defined by textured finishes and choreographed light.
Above: The architecture is porous and grounded, integrating natural materials with fluid indoor-outdoor living.
Above: Custom copper screens cast dappled shadows, adding rhythm and privacy along exterior walkways.
Above: Large column-free spans dissolve boundaries, blending living areas with gardens and terraces.
Above: Horizontal porosity and deep overhangs support spatial continuity between interior and landscape.
Above: This villa’s reception space includes a formal dining area.
Above: ARRCC’s interior decor features timber, stone, and bespoke OKHA pieces, lending a light Scandinavian sensibility.
Expansive, column-free openings on the ground floor dissolve the boundary between inside and out, creating seamless continuity between living spaces, shaded terraces, and gardens. Carved courtyards and outdoor rooms regulate light and ventilation, employ passive cooling strategies, and create opportunities for outdoor living.
Above: The sweeping curve of wood planks defines this dining area.
ARRCC’s interior decor extends the architectural vision, interpreting the beach setting through tactile, restrained furnishings. A palette of oak, travertine, marble, and soft neutral textiles creates a tactile, serene environment, with metal accents used sparingly to let natural textures lead. The result is an interior world that feels quietly refined, timeless, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Above: Broad glazed thresholds and planting create soft transitions and shaded thresholds between rooms.
Above: Upstairs, bedrooms and a gym face panoramic sea views. Layering soft neutrals with leather and brushed metal, ARRCC creates interiors that feel tactile and refined.
Above: The owner’s bathroom offers breathtaking water views.
Above: Carved courtyards introduce ventilation, shade, and planting, cooling the home from within.
What We Love About This Home
This Dubai coastal home offers relaxed yet sophisticated living spaces with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The design beautifully balances openness with privacy, and light with shade, creating a serene retreat shaped by its site and defined by restraint. Every detail reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and a commitment to effortless, luxurious island living.
Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in this island home’s design? Let us know in the comments below. We love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign by the interior designers of this project, ARRCC: Step into paradise at this exhilarating South African safari lodge and A stunning contemporary country house designed for entertaining in South Africa.
Above: Island Villa expresses restraint, shaped by the coastal context, privacy requirements, and climate responsiveness.
Above: Articulated rooflines and overhangs define the villa’s sculptural silhouette.
PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Letch
Island Villa Drawings
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