Villa Esencia by ELE Interior | The Alchemy of Materials and Space

The client desires a modern Chorisia villa in Al Barari that reflects a neutral and serene aesthetic while being practical for family living. The design should harmoniously blend with the surrounding nature, utilizing warm materials and natural stones to create a welcoming and comfortable environment…

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Project's description: Villa Esencia, brought to life by ELE Interior, embodies a refined vision of modern living within the lush enclave of Al Barari. Designed by ELE Interior for a family seeking a balance between understated luxury and functional elegance, the villa blends contemporary design principles with the natural surroundings. The interior focuses on natural materials, a muted color palette, and an intuitive flow, creating a serene, immersive environment. The villa's design emphasizes the seamless integration of architecture and nature, with a central courtyard that invites light and greenery, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Concept
The design narrative of Villa Esencia is rooted in modern aesthetics, embracing a neutral color palette and a curated selection of natural materials. The overarching theme is a seamless integration of architecture and nature, fostering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere that caters to both comfort and refined living.

Design elements
The kitchen is anchored by a striking Taj Mahal quartzite island and countertops, setting the tone for a tactile and visually cohesive material selection. Travertine-effect porcelain cladding defines the central feature courtyard, enhancing its architectural prominence, while reinforcing a connection to the natural landscape. A pivotal design intervention is the feature courtyard at the heart of the villa, an open-air sanctuary that invites natural light and greenery into the core of the home, establishing a spatial and sensory continuity between indoor and outdoor environments.

Execution
The transformation of the villa entailed a comprehensive reconfiguration of the second floor, where two standard bedrooms were reimagined into a bespoke master suite. This expansive retreat integrates a dual en-suite configuration with his-and-hers bathrooms and a custom walk-in wardrobe, optimizing both functionality and indulgence. Throughout the villa, new flooring selections, luxury fabric-lined wall treatments, and bespoke joinery introduce a heightened level of sophistication. The use of travertine porcelain cladding extends beyond the courtyard, reinforcing textural depth across key surfaces. A significant structural modification involved the closure of the double-height void within the family area, allowing for the creation of a dedicated playroom on the first floor.

Ambience
The atmosphere within Villa Esencia is one of understated opulence, balancing warmth with contemporary refinement. The interplay of natural textures and tailored finishes fosters a luxurious yet eminently livable environment, ensuring that the residence remains both aspirational and deeply personal.

Challenges overcome
One of the primary design challenges was working within the constraints of the existing villa layout, while achieving a fluid spatial arrangement that met the client’s aspirations. The integration of distinct zones, without compromising the openness of the space, required a meticulous approach to planning and execution.

Key features
At the heart of the villa, the feature courtyard serves as a visual and experiential anchor, its presence felt from the kitchen, living areas, private office, and upper levels. This central element reinforces the villa’s biophilic design intent, ensuring a continuous dialogue between architecture and nature. The dining experience is elevated by a bespoke natural travertine dining table, an artisanal statement piece that complements the villa’s material narrative.

Design Firm: ELE Interior
Location: Al Barari, Dubai
Year: 2025
Project size: 420 sqm
Photography: Aasiya Jagadeesh