The Arabian Mirage | 2022

A Vision of Riyadh Dream Villas
Nestled in Riyadh’s Al Wasil community, Arabian Mirage redefines luxury with a design that honors tradition while embracing modernity. This architectural competition entry, submitted to YAC (Young Architects Competitions), envisions two separate villas for two brothers and their families. The project combines timeless elegance with contemporary living, shaped by the evolving needs of modern life.

The concept of home has always been sacred—shaped by the desires and lifestyles of its inhabitants. In today’s world, homes must offer solitude, connectivity, and ample outdoor space, reflecting a balance of tradition and innovation. Arabian Mirage embodies these principles, standing as a timeless sanctuary rooted in Riyadh’s rich culture and landscape.

Key Inspirations Behind the Design
Local Urban Fabric: Interconnected courtyards and narrow, winding streets
Desert Landscape: Neutral tones, rugged beauty, and manmade elements like date farms
Indoor-Outdoor Living: Rooftops as functional spaces and courtyards as gathering areas
Water: A vital life source woven into the design
Local Flora and Fauna: An homage to the natural environment
Sustainability: Use of traditional, locally sourced materials
Heritage and Modernity: Reinterpreted cooling and irrigation systems

The villas reflect privacy, serenity, and heritage. Shielded by a protective “city” wall, the villas turn inward, facing the undulating landforms and framing a lush paradise garden. Inspired by traditional courtyards and narrow streets, the villas create a labyrinth of interconnected spaces—both open and enclosed—designed around central courtyards.

Each cluster of rooms is thoughtfully arranged for family use, with the largest courtyard serving as the heart of the main living space. Open to the sky and surrounded by semi-enclosed corridors, the design blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, offering a fluid and luxurious experience.
Designed for multi-generational living, the villas balance distinct spaces for each family with the option to interconnect them seamlessly. Corridors guide residents through framed views and curated outdoor areas, enhancing the flow between private and communal spaces. The garden, a desert-inspired oasis, features local flora, water elements, and diverse spaces, from quiet loggias to vibrant playgrounds and dining areas.

Sustainability and Resilience
Constructed with coral stone, palm wood, and sand blocks, the villas are eco-friendly and designed to endure Riyadh’s harsh climate. By blending traditional materials and techniques with modern design principles, the villas harmonize with their surroundings while ensuring adaptability for future generations.

Arabian Mirage isn’t just a home, it’s a celebration of family, culture, and heritage. Designed as a jewel in the desert, this project bridges the past and future, offering a vision of luxury living deeply rooted in Riyadh’s identity.

Category:Private HomesLocation:Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaArchitect: Ismail Utkan Yonter, TurkiyeDesign Team: Utkan Yonter, Sara OlmezPhotographer: Courtesy of the Architects