Saadiyat Beach Villa

A residence set directly behind the beach, stretched along the shoreline rather than turned towards it. Deep horizontal roof planes shade the full length of the seaward elevation, and the pool terrace sits between the house and the sand.

The house is one room deep along most of its length. That is an expensive way to plan, and the only way to give every principal room the sea, cross-ventilation and a door to the terrace at once.

The roof does the environmental work. Its overhang is set to cut summer sun off the glazing entirely while still letting the low winter light reach the back of the rooms, so the seaward elevation can stay fully glazed.

Materials are chosen for the salt as much as for the look: stone that weathers evenly, hardwood specified for exposure, and finishes detailed to be re-oiled rather than replaced.