Narrow streets lined up with clusters of mid-rise towers, made of rammed earth and burnt bricks, decorated with geometrical patterns created out of white gypsum, form the city of Sana’a. Being the capital of Yemen, Sana’a is an important economical, commercial, and religious focal point of the country. The current population of Sana’a is around 34 lakhs, with a growth rate of about 3% expected every year till 2030. In such a scenario, the city can highly benefit from modern, luxurious high-rise apartments with a touch of local traditionality and authenticity that can become the comfortable abodes of the residents of Sana’a.
Envisioning a high-rise apartment building that seamlessly encapsulates the architectural evolution of the city, the client approached a progressive architectural firm, Atelier ARBO, based in Mumbai, to contribute a fresh outlook to the design of this 36-storey residential tower. Research and extensive design explorations led to a slender structure, with each floor hosting two apartments and occupying a space of around 225 square meters, in alignment with the local building regulations.
An enticing facade emulating curvilinear geometry with intricate patterns made of woven brick and concrete immediately captures the attention of an onlooker. A common waiting space welcomes residents on each floor, with a staircase and two elevators helping in smooth vertical transportation. Entering an apartment, a spacious living room invites the residents into the house, which further leads to a guest room, a kitchen, a powder room, a self-contained master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, and a common bathroom. The design revolved around the simple yet specific requirements proposed by the client, creating a minimal yet elegant space that offers a peaceful living experience to its occupants.
Ensuring privacy for the residents during guest visitations, the personal bedrooms have been subtly separated from the public spaces of the house through mindful planning. Large glazed fenestrations become a part of every room flooding the interiors with abundant light and natural ventilation. The use of solar reflective tempered glass for these fenestrations keeps the harsh desert heat outside. A large ventilation shaft, present in the common lobby, maintains the favourable living conditions in each apartment.
Relying on its strength and durability, steel became the foremost building material to enhance the structural stability and integrity of the high-rise tower. The incorporation of traditional materials to design the facade of the building invokes a feeling of reverence to the rich and alluring architectural history of Sana’a, Yemen. Understanding the journey of how structures were planned, designed, and constructed, using vernacular materials that exude a soothing aura, gave the design team valuable insights.
High-rise residential buildings offer a wide array of benefits and can prove to be a valuable solution for a city like Sana’a, which is expected to grow and develop tremendously in the coming years. Resembling the warm glow of a lantern at night, this high-rise tower aims to beautifully elevate the skyline of the city, encouraging more people to consider the option of high-rise developments.
