transformational design

Transformational By Sejal Nagjee Design

CEO and Creative Director Milestone Dubai

How to give clients their own private resort at home

Most of us are itching to travel again and escape the mundane of work and routine but with restrictions still in place in many countries around the world, it seems that we might have to put our plans on hold for another while longer. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t offer our clients their own escape.

This Hattan villa in the Lakes oozes relaxation and luxury, it’s a private resort on your doorstep, all thanks to clever landscape design and craftsmanship.

space planning

Space planning arises from a client’s brief which gives an insight into their lifestyle. How many people do they wish to entertain on different occasions? Are they typically entertaining 15-20, 30-50 or 100 people at their parties? How do they wish to spend time in their garden?

Usability and functionality are always at the top of every landscape designer’s agenda, usability arises from the empty spaces within. Where to plan enough empty space is key to landscape design.

Hattan at the lakes was commissioned in 2002 and was approved for a full renovation. Being able to cook outdoors and enjoying the garden with family and friends were the main criteria. We retained the old hattan feel whilst still modernizing it.

Flamed granite was used to make it safe for walking as it’s a non-slip surface around the pool. The lagoon shaped pool with a thatched pool bar pergola also retains the hattan feel.

Features

The pool is the focal point of landscape. Determining the size of the pool is important. Generally, the residential pool size is 90 cms at shallow end to 160 cms at deep end with a size of 9x4 m at least. This pool is irregularly shaped and allows an easy length to swim. Having a pool bar is a luxury. It’s incredible to be able to be served from the pool bar and relax with a drink in the pool. In this case, the overflow pool is made at the same level as the ground and is seamless in design.

pergola

A large pergola which is completely waterproof is a prominent feature of the landscape. With a size of 11m x 4 m, it accommodates a bar, feature wall, lounge seating, a swing and makes a great entertainment area.

It’s important to have a water proof structure to avoid bird droppings, moisture droplets that make the cushions of the furniture wet always in the mornings and avoid direct sun and rain. It’s like having an open outhouse.

The pergola is an i beam structure, cladded with wood with underground footings and is very solid. The lighting in the pergola with a fan makes it absolutely a gorgeous sit out space making it usable in the summer too.

outdoor kitchen is a must have, including all the facilities such as a sink, power sockets, drawers and storage and table top 4 burner grill. Being right behind the bar, it makes it very easy to use.

a bar is always a nice feature as you can sit in the evening with your friends. Fridge and bottle cooler are easy to plan too. It is convenient to use by bartenders during a party.

a water feature built in the pathway creates a nice view from the living room window. It’s so important to think about the views from a window as landscape is always built inside out. What you see from a window is very important as when you are not using the garden, it’s what you will see from inside the house.

Lighting

Lighting design is the most important in any landscape. Highlighting features by spot lighting, highlighting the plants and trees, using downlights and concealed LED strips in the bar, planter boxes and ceiling creates a mood, keeping the lighting a subtle ambience.

BBQ is well lit by directional spot lights which provide good visibility for cooking. All functional areas are well lit and lighting is evenly spread to have enough for larger parties and occasions.

All lights are LED and therefore consumption of electricity is low.

sustainable materials

All materials in this project are sustainable. Flamed granite, porcelain, stone mosaics, solid meranti wood, metal lantern, LED lights, pet friendly artificial grass - all long lasting, low on maintenance and low on electricity consumption.

www.milestonedubai.com Photo Credit: Mr. Orkun Orcan.

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