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ASHJAR – DUBAI, UAE
Ashjar means ‘trees’ in Arabic. It is also the name given to a new high-end residential development coming up in Al Barari, Dubai. A cluster of 21 low-rise volumes will house a total of 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. There will be two building typologies: extrovert and introvert. Units of the former type will be more openplan, with large protruding balconies; the latter will feature moveable screens that can shield both external terrace space and internal living quarters from prying eyes. Lush landscaped areas will surround the residences, creating a forest-like environment on the 100,000sq m site. Recreational amenities will include footpaths, outdoor seating, swimming pools, and play areas for children. Leading the project is architectural practice 10 Design. “The idea of ‘tree living’ has given us the inspiration to envisage apartments with three different [characteristics]: ‘om the forest floor’, ‘within the tree canopy’, and ‘above the forest canopy’,” says founder Gordon Affleck. “With over 80% of the site dedicated to landscape, these apartments will merge seamlessly into their surroundings from day one.” Completion is scheduled for 2017.