Villa SHorfah/Buraydah
Khalid Althunayan

Inward Openness,Between Courtyard and Balcony.

Framing Architects as Architects

Amid the sandy dunes of Buraydah in the heart of Saudi Arabia, " Villa SHorfah " Residence rises as an architectural poem, echoing the heritage and stories of the land. The house, with its intricate details and thoughtful design, reflects the soul of the place, treating the outer boundary as part of the urban fabric, gently connecting with the street and transforming from a mere wall into a bridge between the inside and the outside.

photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan

The courtyard and balcony are the heartbeat of the design, bringing life to every corner. Each room tells its own story through a balcony that opens up to nature, granting the residents moments of reflection and openness. This inward opening is a deep-rooted philosophy in the residence, where the courtyards and balconies form the foundation of the relationship between the individual and their surroundings, providing privacy without isolation.

photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan

The main entrance speaks a language of details, with a subtle bend that conceals what lies beyond, preserving the resident’s privacy from the very first step. The guest area finds its place in a central courtyard, separated from the private spaces, catering to the local custom of hosting guests outdoors while also being flexible enough to welcome the family when desired.

photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan

The Backyard acts like a gentle breeze flowing through the spaces, circulating air throughout all seasons, softening the sunlight, and illuminating the interiors without straining the eyes. The staircase, more than just a means of vertical movement, is a sculptural piece connecting the different spaces, overlooking the flow of movement and making the journey inside the house a harmonious visual experience.

photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan

The Staircase landing is not just a transitional point; it serves as an interior balcony connecting the floors, adding a new dimension that enriches the daily experience. As you ascend, the spaces take you on a continuous journey from the backyard to a hanging lounge, as if cradling you in its embrace, leading you to the bedrooms through a passage that ends with views of the side courtyard.

photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan
photo_credit Khalid Althunayan
Khalid Althunayan

Each balcony whispers moments of tranquility to its occupant, inspiring writers, poets, and anyone who seeks a space for reflection. Many ideas have matured under the light of these balconies, and countless dreams have been born in their calmness.

photo_credit Abdullah Alfhaid
Abdullah Alfhaid
photo_credit Abdullah Alfhaid
Abdullah Alfhaid
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