Tokyo Design Awards Gold Winner

2026 | Professional

Z Majlis

Entrant Company

NIU

Category

Interior Design - Residential 

Client's Name

Country / Region

United Arab Emirates

Z Majlis: A New Vision for Desert Living

Z Majlis proposes a new vision for desert living through an architecture shaped by landscape, material, and spatial continuity. Rather than organizing the residence as a series of individual rooms, the design is conceived as a continuous architectural journey where proportion, light, and movement guide the experience. The project explores how contemporary living in the desert can be expressed through clarity of form, controlled spatial progression, and a strong relationship with the surrounding terrain.

The aesthetic language of the Majlis is defined by restraint and material presence. Rammed earth textures and corten steel form the architectural envelope, grounding the building within the colors and geological character of the desert. Angular volumes and recessed surfaces generate depth and shadow, allowing the architecture to respond to the movement of sunlight throughout the day. This interaction between material and light creates an exterior that feels both sculptural and connected to its environment.

Inside, the design process focused on creating a seamless flow between architecture, interior, and landscape. Spaces are structured through shifts in height, framed openings, and filtered light rather than rigid partitions. This approach establishes a calm spatial rhythm where circulation and experience unfold gradually, reinforcing the sense of continuity throughout the Majlis.

A distinctive highlight within this spatial narrative is the Private Bowling Cave. Conceived as both recreation and architectural feature, the tunnel-like space introduces a dramatic moment within the sequence. Curved surfaces and indirect lighting emphasize its form and depth, transforming a leisure activity into an immersive architectural experience.

Through its integration of material, form, and spatial sequencing, Z Majlis presents an architectural approach where design is guided by context, proportion, and the qualities of the desert landscape.

Credits

Architect
Giorgio Palermo
Architect
Elena Gregorutti
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