al
makkiyah
Type
Residential
Location
Jeddah, KSA
Year
1982
Status
Completed
Scope
Architecture, Interior, Landscape
"Contemporary tradition, privacy and openness, aesthetic and dynamism are equally represented to generate harmony"
Al Makkiyah presents a living example of human-centered architecture. As an existing initial prototype of Dr. Angawi’s approach to design, the house successfully applies traditional architectural practices and elements on contemporary building, while simultaneously implementing his infamous Al-Mizan philosophy that effectively balances environmental, social, and cultural factors to create a balanced built environment.
"Forward Thinking"
In Al Makkiyah, traditional, cultural and contemporary styles are uniformly unified to present a distinct feeling of singularity and personalization that simultaneously impresses harmony in the design across all floors.
"The inference of sustainability is wholly evident through the design of Al-Makkiyah"
In accordance with traditional Hijazi design, the region’s prevailing wind decides the interior allocation of rooms. This architectural approach is rooted in both practicality and cultural heritage, reflecting a deep understanding of the local climate and environmental conditions.
As such, the house’s asymmetrical form is greater in the north and west to take advantage of these winds, channeled in through the traditional Roshan, visible on the external facades.
"The Roshan: a tool for sustainable design"
The Roshan, a distinctive architectural feature of Hijazi homes, plays a crucial role in facilitating natural ventilation and light while also providing privacy and security. Positioned on the external facades, the Roshan consists of intricately patterned wooden screens that allow air to flow freely into the house while filtering out dust and harsh sunlight. These screens are often oriented to capture the prevailing winds, directing them into the interior spaces and creating a comfortable microclimate within the home.
One of the primary functions of the Roshan is to act as a barrier against the harsh rays of the sun. The wooden lattice pattern serves as a screen that diffuses sunlight, preventing direct penetration into the interior spaces of the house. By reflecting a significant portion of the sun's rays, the Roshan helps to reduce heat buildup within the building, thus contributing to a cooler indoor temperature during the hot summer months. This passive cooling strategy is crucial in the arid climate of the Hijaz region, where temperatures can soar to extreme levels.
Moreover, the structural design of the Roshan allows for the creation of shaded areas within the interior spaces of the house. While providing protection from direct sunlight, the lattice openings still allow filtered light to enter, creating a pleasant and diffused illumination. This shaded environment helps to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature indoors, making the living spaces more livable even during the hottest part of the day.
Importantly, the Roshan achieves these benefits without completely restricting the flow of air into the house. Unlike solid barriers or closed windows, the lattice structure of the Roshan allows air to circulate freely, promoting natural ventilation and cooling. This continuous exchange of air helps to dissipate heat and moisture, further enhancing the comfort level within the building.
"Abundant access to natural light"
Abundant access to natural light is not only a practical consideration but also a fundamental aspect of Dr. Sami's design philosophy, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and livability of the house. To achieve this, the architect employs various design techniques, one of which involves staggering the floor levels to ensure that every room receives ample natural light throughout the day.
By staggering the floor levels, it creates a layout where each room is strategically positioned to maximize exposure to sunlight. This design approach takes advantage of the sun's movement throughout the day, allowing different areas of the house to receive direct sunlight at various times. Rooms on higher floors may benefit from morning sunlight, while those on lower levels receive afternoon or evening light, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interior spaces.
In addition to providing abundant natural light, this staggered floor arrangement also enhances the visual and spatial connectivity within the house. Vertical tower openings, such as staircases or atriums, serve as light wells that channel sunlight into the heart of the building, illuminating the central areas and creating a sense of openness and expansiveness. These vertical connections not only bring light into the interior but also facilitate airflow, promoting natural ventilation and cooling throughout the house.
Al-Makkiyah also integrates a shaded court, which act as transitional spaces between indoor and outdoor environments. This courtyard not only provide additional opportunities for natural light to penetrate into the house but also serves as a private outdoor retreat where residents can relax and enjoy the temperate climate of the Hijaz region.
"Architecture is static. Nature is dynamic. The combination of the two create an ongoing evolvement"
Al-Makkiyah transcends the conventional boundaries of indoor living by seamlessly merging with the natural environment, offering its inhabitants a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation.
From the moment one enters, the architectural design invites a deep connection with nature, fostering a sense of serenity and well-being. The incorporation of abundant greenery within the premises serves as a testament to the architect's commitment to creating a holistic haven. Lush vegetation envelops the surroundings, softening the transition from the outside world to the interior space. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the house but also contributes to improved air quality and a sense of vitality.
Upon stepping inside, one is greeted by a symphony of sensory experiences that evoke a profound connection with nature. The soothing sound of flowing water, from a carefully designed fountain or indoor stream, permeates the air, creating a calming ambiance that instantly puts visitors at ease.
But it's not just the visual spectacle that captivates the senses; the air is alive with the subtle fragrance of earth and greenery, awakening the sense of smell and deepening the connection to the natural world. The cool touch of stone and wood underfoot adds another layer of tactile pleasure, grounding visitors in the present moment and inviting them to fully immerse themselves in the sensory experience.
In this holistic haven, the boundaries between indoor and outdoor blur, allowing residents to commune with nature on a profound level.
"The construction was made step by step intentionally to allow room for experimentation between contemporary and traditional techniques"
Al Makkiyah stands as a relatively unassuming yet impressive structure from the exterior. The interior adopts its own architectural language, that perfectly compliments the exterior, through a balance of intricately detailed design and customization.
Elements common within the interior include; stained glass, arches, ceramics, intricately carved wood and stone details, Arabic calligraphy and Moroccan-style lamps.
The materials and construction techniques of the house is a perfect example of the architect's Al- Mizan philosophy.
Majority of the materials were sourced naturally and locally in the Hijaz region, including the coral sea stone, the desert sand stone and the granite stone of Makkah.
Comparatively to newly adopted thin walls of contemporary construction, Al-Makkiyah combines the contemporary construction material of concrete with a traditional stone veneer to create thick load bearing walls. The purpose of this was to maximize the thermal performance of the building.
Wood was favored when designing areas of the external and internal spaces in the house. An example of this includes the 350-year-old intricately carved wooden door of the main gate, restored from traditional Hijazi houses that are now demolished.