Project / Client’s Brief
The client’s vision for the One Palm Apartment was to transform an existing space into a refined, modern home that felt open, inviting, and timeless. The brief called for a complete renovation that would bring warmth and intimacy to the contemporary architecture, creating a residence that feels both sophisticated and relaxed, perfectly attuned to the rhythm of daily life and the expansive views of Dubai Marina.
Concept
E Plus A Atelier approached the project with a concept of Modern Warmth — an architectural narrative centered on balance, comfort, and material honesty. The intention was to achieve a seamless dialogue between light, texture, and proportion. The result is a home that embraces clarity and calm while remaining grounded in tactile richness. The design celebrates simplicity without austerity, combining modern refinement with emotional resonance.
Various Design Elements
The apartment’s layout was reimagined to encourage fluid movement and maximize natural light. The living area opens to panoramic views, where soft, sculptural furniture and handcrafted objects establish an atmosphere of understated luxury. A monolithic marble kitchen island anchors the heart of the home, both functional and sculptural, while a curved ceiling introduces a sense of softness and continuity throughout the open plan. The terrace was designed as a true extension of the interior, featuring a water element and a fully equipped barbecue area, creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living. Warm oak herringbone flooring adds texture and character underfoot, bringing visual harmony to the space.
About the Execution
The execution of the project demanded technical precision and thoughtful restraint. Walls and partitions were redefined to enhance openness and circulation, while all elements of lighting, temperature, and shading were integrated within a smart-home system for a seamless user experience. Every junction was carefully resolved — from the alignment of ceiling coves to the shadow gaps in joinery — ensuring continuity of detail and proportion. This meticulous attention to craftsmanship gives the apartment its quiet, architectural rhythm.
About the Ambience
The ambience of the home is calm and contemporary, characterized by a restrained palette and a strong sense of light. During the day, the sunlight reflects gently across marble surfaces and oak floors, while in the evening, carefully placed lighting enhances intimacy and depth. The overall feeling is one of ease and composure — a home that breathes, evolving subtly with the changing light and time of day.
Challenges Overcome
One of the key challenges in the renovation was the transformation of a standard, pre-existing layout into a cohesive and elegant home. Particular attention was required to integrate a concealed corridor door that maintains the visual purity of the space. This solution demanded adjusting the floor level to achieve perfect alignment, ensuring the architectural flow remained uninterrupted. Such refinements demonstrate the atelier’s dedication to precision and its commitment to transforming technical constraints into opportunities for subtle beauty.
Unique / Key Features
The apartment’s defining features lie in its seamless integration of technology and craft. The fully automated smart-home system allows intuitive control over the environment, while the natural marble kitchen island becomes both centerpiece and conversation piece. The soft curve of the ceiling, the concealed technical systems, and the sculptural water feature on the terrace all contribute to a sense of effortless refinement. Together, they define the apartment’s character — modern, warm, and profoundly livable.
Technical Elements
The project’s technical detailing enhances its architectural purity. Hidden air-conditioning grilles are integrated into the ceiling design, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted aesthetic. Smart-home systems manage climate, lighting, and shading with quiet efficiency, while custom joinery conceals mechanisms and wiring. The result is a technically sophisticated home where design and performance coexist in perfect equilibrium.
Material Selection
The palette is composed of natural marble, oak wood, glass, and metal — materials chosen for their authenticity, longevity, and tactile appeal. The marble, with its intricate veining, introduces a sculptural depth; the oak adds warmth and familiarity; while glass and metal provide contemporary clarity. These materials work together to create a cohesive environment that is timeless and deeply sensory.
Furniture Chosen
The interior furnishings were selected from distinguished international brands such as Henge, Poliform, Poltrona Frau, Röshults, and Reflex, complemented by bespoke joinery designed by E Plus A Atelier. Each piece contributes to the apartment’s curated elegance — sculptural yet comfortable, refined yet relaxed. The selections reflect a commitment to craftsmanship and design integrity, enhancing the architecture without overpowering it.
Team:
Designers: E Plus A Atelier, led by Ali Mohammadioun
Photographer: Ingrid Rasmussen
