Location
Saadiyat District, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Year
2025
Scope of Work
Full Landscape Design, Smart Irrigation, Shade Structures, Climate-Specific Planting, Outdoor Living Areas.
The Vision
Our client was a European expat family residing in the prestigious Saadiyat district of Abu Dhabi. Their brief was to create a luxurious yet functional oasis, fully adapted to life in the Middle East. The primary challenge was the extreme climate: scorching temperatures up to +50°C (+122°F), high humidity, and salty air. The design had to prioritize shade creation and energy efficiency above all else. Stylistically, the brief called for a "Contemporary Arabic" aesthetic, while functionally, it required distinct zones for entertaining, a safe children's play area, and a private lounge for the adults (a Majlis), all while ensuring complete privacy.
Our Solution
Our strategy was entirely driven by climate control. We designed a multi-layered shading system using modern pergolas, decorative mashrabiya screens, and the strategic planting of large-canopy trees to create cool microclimates. To combat water scarcity, we integrated an advanced smart drip irrigation system with humidity sensors. The plant palette was selected exclusively from xerophytes—native and adaptive species resistant to drought and salt, led by the iconic Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and the UAE's national tree, the Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria). The space was zoned for every occasion: we created an open-air Majlis for quiet relaxation, a full outdoor dining and barbecue area for guests, and a safe, shaded play zone for the children. A central water feature serves not only as a focal point but also as a natural air cooler.
Gallery
Final Results
