On the island of Sadiyat in Abu Dhabi, Nasam From home A work of matter The desert provides a modern sanctuary inspired by the winds, light and cultural heritage. Spread up to 19,400 square feet, this private residence is shaped not only from the architectural point of view, but also by the gentle winds of the desert – its very name, Nasayam, means “soft winds” in Arabic.
Instead of protecting itself from the environment, the house embraces the natural forces of Sadiat Island. Wind, light and shade are considered as design partners, weaving through layers of the building to create a living, breathing structure. The result is a habitat that once feels secluded and open, intimate and detail.
Each description reflects a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region. Complex Arabic patterns are dug into the arches, windows and screens, infecting the house with historical resonance. Bedouin forms a hand-carved teaks, thresholds, inspired by geometric motifs that filter the sunlight, encourage airflow, and provides privacy without attachment. Locally induced materials such as palm leaf, earthen brick, coral stone, and Thach gave the house more rooted in the desert’s timeless beauty.
In its center, Nasim has a double-hit courtyard that re-explains the foundation stone of Islamic architecture. A huge living tree grows from the center of the courtyard, its canopy moves towards the top skylight. Depending on this, a circular bench wraps around the planter, turning the tree into a focal point to collect.
The courtyard also acts as a passive cooling system, which exploits airflow and natural light. Above, a huge skylight filter makes sunlight, shifting patterns that walk on the walls and floors all day.
Draw directly from the tones and texture of the internal and external desert of the house. Walls and finish are presented in soft neutral and sandy colors, while natural wood adds heat and depth. The color palette is deliberately calm and expressive. Handmade teak screen strengthening the architectural harmony by regulating double, transparency and airflow as sculpture accents.
Nasayem is not only a bold architectural statement, but also a demonstration of how the design can react wisely to the environment. The house reduces dependence on mechanical air-conditioning rather than airflow, shedding, and central courtyard to regulate temperature naturally, by preferring inactive cooling strategies.
Handmade latiswork screen filters hard sunlight while maintaining screen ventilation, and local, integration of materials, reduces environmental impact while celebrating local traditions. Natural textures such as Palm Leaf and Coral Stone are both durable and climate-sensitive, offering comfort within the demanding desert environment.
From the communal assembly areas to the intimate escape, the Naseem is designed to balance the connection and solitude. Inheritance-inspired details, a combination of desert-informed colors and natural ventilation creates a habitat that feels deeply vested in its setting when presenting to modern life.
For more information about nasayem and substance work, travel aworkofsubstance.com,
photography by Natli Cocks,
