- Architecture & development
A successful architectural project requires a lot of preparation, for which the environment and local traditions have to be studied and respected. That is exactly what the studio Mesura did in building Villa AM in Jeddah. The house is fully adapted to the Arabic culture and Oriental climate. Imagicasa is pleased to take you to this beautiful city in Saudi Arabia.
Mesura is not an architectural firm like any other and they are proud of that. They work under the motto 'designing for the unknown', emphasising that each project stems from the unique characteristics of the people, community, and environment. For this reason, they have deliberately never established a style formula for their work, as all their realisations are unique and diverse. At Mesura, every project is an open investigation, helping people to reflect on their existing situation. The agency then guides their clients to achieve the desired results. Their work is therefore always a result of a close collaboration, in which Mesura itself takes a humble position and gives priority to listening to their clients. This is what they did for the creation of Villa AM in Jeddah. After five years of hard work, they have completed the project with flying colours.
The openness, generosity, and contemporary mentality of the family is expressed in the house.
Jeddah, the historic centre of Saudi Arabia, is developing quickly. This modernisation is also reflected in the architecture, although traditional Arabic values remain at the heart of projects. The Mesura studio took this current climate into account when realising Villa AM. According to Arabic tradition, the house was designed as a private sanctuary and social, semi-open space. The openness, generosity, and contemporary mentality of the family takes shape in the house. It is built in an L-shape, which allows for a close relationship between family and guests, without compromising the necessary privacy. Not only Arab values are taken into account, but the hot, dry climate of Jeddah itself influenced the construction as well. The house seeks shade and air currents to cool it down. The firm was able to achieve this by moving the second floor of the house backwards, creating a patio that looks out over the city and the sunset in the west. Furthermore, the ground floor is naturally cooled by the outdoor passageway. 
Architecture cannot be separated from its surroundings, as Mesura has nicely demonstrated with this project. By combining modern techniques with authentic Arabic traditions and customs, this house acquires a unique character. It is clear that a lot of thought and expertise was required to construct this project, something that Imagicasa can only admire. We are curious to see what the agency will realise in the future. 
Photography by Marina Denisova