Coastal Living, Redefined | Island Villa by SAOTA

Island Villa distils coastal living into a refined architectural expression — balancing openness with privacy, and light with shade — offering a calm retreat shaped by its site and defined by restraint.

IMAGES COURTESY OF SAOTA

Along Dubai’s constructed shoreline lies Island Villa, a home that redefines coastal living within an urban context.

Designed by SAOTA with interior décor by ARRCC, the project maximises its site by opening the home towards the sea, using careful layout, transparency, and materiality to deepen the connection between indoor spaces, the surrounding landscape, and the broad coastal views. Framed outlooks across the Arabian Sea maintain a deliberate connection to Dubai’s skyline.

SAOTA’s design emphasises fluid connections between spaces and climate responsiveness. 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, applying passive cooling strategies and creating opportunities for outdoor living.

Upstairs, bedrooms and a gym face panoramic sea views. Across the villa, deep overhangs, custom screens, and articulated façades choreograph light, shade, and privacy. Bespoke glass-reinforced polymer (GRP) screens and patinated copper details reference regional craft traditions while offering shade and visual interest.

Bush-hammered light stone cladding evokes coral textures, offset by darker honed flooring to reduce glare. Generous eaves, shaded glazing, and cross ventilation integrate environmental performance into the architectural language, rather than adding it as a technical overlay.

ARRCC’s interior décor extends the architectural vision, interpreting the beach setting through tactile, restrained furnishings. Drawing on a Scandinavian sensibility, the interiors favour warm minimalism, natural materials, and a sense of calm over decorative excess. Soft neutral textiles, leather accents, and brushed metal details introduce subtle richness without overwhelming the space.

ARRCC also collaborated with OKHA to craft bespoke furniture reflecting the villa’s architectural rhythm. The result is a quietly sophisticated interior aligned with the client’s vision for a grounded, contemplative home.