Cilia at Ghaf Woods
Dubai, UAE
The vision for one of the scheme’s initial phases of the larger Ghaf Woods Masterplan, Cilia, is centred around the balance between living in a community and simultaneously being in contact with nature. Cilia consists of 546 luxury units made up of one, two and three bedrooms in addition to penthouses, nestled within the forest ecosystem.
Led by Design Director, Fernando da Col and Senior Associate, Euan Revell, the design concept proposes low-lying, spaced-out building blocks which enable increased access and view to the central forest while providing shading across the site.
The design for Cilia, scheduled to be complete in 2027, involves adjusting the proportion of space to people by splitting a large plot of land into permeable, humanscale housing units which seamlessly blend in with the surrounding forest. The lush green canopy, composed of local species adept to minimal water supply and trees with horizontal root growth, extends from the ground floor to level three, enveloping the entire development.
“Our project design aspires to create a global statement for harmonious living experience set in nature. Defined by the unique stepping landscape, the architectural distinction between the upper and lower ground floors allows for a diversity of functions and programmes within the development, offering distinct experiences for its residents.” Fernando da Col, Design Director.
A defining characteristic of Cilia is the “stepping landscape” – a network of terraces that seamlessly connect the upper and lower ground floors without the need for basement, creating a unifying space that ties together residences with the natural environment.
The stepping landscape will effectively separate the car and pedestrian circulation, ensuring safety for both groups while maintaining the visual connection to natural landscape and enforcing the sense of continuity. Sunken courtyards will be introduced to bring light and vegetation down to the lower ground level.
The forested community will be home to over 20 bird species and 35,000 trees. The vegetation will make the scheme more resilient and sustainable by acting as a buffer against noise and dust, preventing soil erosion by binding the soil with roots, and cooling down its surroundings by up to five degrees Celsius. Additionally, it will generate up to 20 percent cleaner air, demonstrating the design’s commitment to wellness.
consultant team
SKS Studios - Landscape Architect
The Rockwell Group - Interior Designer
Wilson Associates - Interior Designer
team
Design Principal — Fernando Da Col, Matt Bremner
Project Leader — Euan Revell
