2:48AM - Entertaining Kuwait since 2003
I love these before and after shots taken by Nada Design Studio of a public walkway project they worked on.
The public walkway is located in the Behbehani Complex, next to the church in the city. Built in the 1940s, the complex always felt neglected to me, yet full of potential— which is why I love what they did.
To see more of their work, head over to @nada.designstudio
Although I mostly highlight villas and commercial spaces as part of my design highlight series, the AB Penthouse is a rare instance where an apartment stands out for its beautiful design.
Perched atop a building in Salmiya, the AB Penthouse was completed earlier this year, boasting a 320m² area and its own private pool. This stunning penthouse was designed by the local architecture and interior design studio fortytwelve, the same team behind the stylish Ode Eatery.
The space has a lot of beautiful moments but I think my favorite has to be the walk-in closet with the large window that overlooks the sea (pictured above). Check out all the photos from this project on the fortytwelve website.
Photos were taken by @mashkanani
Like the current waterfront project that extends from Kuwait Towers to the SVN resort, Shuwaikh Beach is also getting redeveloped as part of Kuwait Municipality’s ongoing efforts to enhance leisure and recreational spaces in Kuwait.
The project was designed by the multidisciplinary architecture firm Pace, and is sponsored by NBK. With the designs now finalized, the project has entered the tendering phase.
The 1.7km-long project will feature upgraded facilities, including a running track, bicycle track, mosques, and several main areas tailored to community needs like sports fields, recreational areas, and extensive green spaces.
Based on the renderings, one of the cool things I like about the Shuwaikh Beach project is that it looks like it will be a lot greener than the new waterfront near Kuwait Towers. The sandy beach area is also getting revamped, and wooden benches will be installed to provide a peaceful and comfortable coastal experience.
This project is expected to be completed by May 2025.
I’m a fan of minimal design, but I also appreciate spaces rich with complexity and decoration. Title’s third location at The Warehouse Mall was crafted by local design studio Lines, the same creative team behind the restaurants OFK and Piatti.
The mix of patterns, textures, and bold colors gives the space a surreal feel. The photos make the restaurant look like a set from a stop-motion film. According to Lines, their aim was to showcase a timeless design by combining elements from various cultures around the world, creating a unique and creative style. I think it worked.
If you want to see more photos of this Title location, or more of Lines work, head over to @lineskw
There is an Instagram account I find visually very interesting called @Dihrez. It’s run by a Kuwaiti designer fascinated in creating an alternate history for Kuwait, which is a subject I find very captivating.
I got in touch with the designer to find out why he started the account and what his story is. It turns out he works in the educational field, which is partly why he wants to stay anonymous for now.
Dihrez has always been interested in the concept of ‘alternate history’ in literary and artistic works. Similar to shows like ‘The Man in the High Castle,’ which is based on an alternate reality in which Germany wins World War II, or ‘For All Mankind,’ where the Russians were the first to land on the moon, Dihrez wanted to create an alternate reality for Kuwait.
The account is only two months old, so you can see how Dihrez is still figuring out the kind of content he wants to share and how it’s all evolving
In the beginning, for example, he started experimenting by creating visuals from old everyday life (1950s-1980s) and then adding imagined elements to them. The idea was to make the viewer feel that the scene is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. This feeling creates a momentary paradox and raises the question: Is this real?
Later, he started creating imaginary posters and ads. A few days ago, he began experimenting by taking popular old Kuwaiti photographs and animating them into short videos (the results are super cool). He uses a combination of techniques, including AI and his graphic design background, to create his work, resulting in pieces that are somewhat like collages.
You can see some of my favorites here, but definitely follow his account to see more of his work including his latest animated one @Dihrez
There are two parts to this design highlight, the first is the interior which was done by Studio Nesef, the second is the beautiful ceramic dinnerware and accessories which were produced by From Mud.
This is Tatami’s third location and my favorite design wise. The first thing that catches your attention is the large suspended Moon light pendant surrounded by intricate wooden joinery I’m assuming is inspired by the Japanese cidori system. The space is minimal but the use of natural materials like wood and rough stone help give the space a bit of warmth.
For the dinnerware and table accessories, Tatami commissioned the local ceramic design studio From Mud to create them (Full disclosure: the owner is my wife). All the items were hand built with a sculptural approach to tableware that was inspired by Japanese elements. For example, the table centre pieces are composed of three organic branch-like vases that intertwine, and are inspired by Japanese floral arrangements. The cutlery rests replicate the softness of rice cakes (mochi), while the taco and napkin holders were inspired by ‘Ma,’ the concept of highlighting the negative space around an object.
The new Tatami is located in The Gardens area of The Avenues. It’s a bit hidden only because you need to get off the main Phase 4 corridor and go up the escalators to get to the area. But, some of my favorite restaurants in The Avenues are located there including Midar and Em Sherif Cafe.
To check out more photos of Tatami by Studio Nesef, check this link. If you want to check Tatami out, their instagram is @tatamirestaurant
Last week a video popped up on my feed that I thought was fascinating. A guy called Hamad AlMuzaini (@hamad.muzaini) had spotted a little piece of architecture history at a scrap yard in Amghara, the Maison Bulle (Bubble House) by French modernist architect, Jean-Benjamin Maneval.
The Bubble House which was conceived in 1963 is considered to be one of the most successful designs for “futuristic plastic houses“. Only 300 of these prefab homes were ever built and so it’s pretty incredible that not only did one end up in Kuwait, but the fact that it survived and is in fairly decent condition is a miracle.
Hamad is an architect and designer who lived and worked in the US for roughly 13 years. Most of his work experience revolved around modular and prefabricated construction, which is why when he spotted the Bubble House roughly two years ago, he immediately recognized that it was a novel system and had immense value. But, Hamad only realized recently what he had spotted when an account he follows posted a similar Bubble House. So Hamad went back to Amghara and called the number of the scrapyard asking if it was for sale. From there he purchased the house and started planning its relocation.
Most of the images online consistently depicted the Bubble House set against nature, making a really beautiful composition of something quite futuristic. So he decided to move the Bubble House out of the scrap yard and onto his family’s farm.
Currently Hamad is focusing his efforts on restoring the structure without permanent and damaging procedures. He wants to restore it as close to the original as possible but without an interior layout, leaving it as an open floor plan. He hopes to one day host events with some community engagement surrounding the Maison Bulle, but for now his focus is to restore it.
How the Bubble House ended up in Kuwait in the first place is still a mystery, but at least it’s in good hands right now.
The Northern Salmiya Building is located in the old Salmiya souk on Salem Mubarak Street. It’s over 50 years old, and since I grew up down the street from it, I’ve seen so many shops come and go there.
It’s the same complex that used to house Kids’r’us (Alghanim Automotive before that) and it’s the same building that had the old National/Panasonic store that used to have the NeoGeo in the window display. The corner shop was Boushahri where everyone used to go to get their passport photos taken. Mogahwi was also located there, the first Alshaya stores also all opened there including The Bodyshop, BHS, Mothercare and Next.
The building was also designed by SSH over 50 years ago, the same firm that’s behind JACC, ASCC and the waterfront project.
Recently, the corner of the building was demolished, and a tower was built in its place. It sucks that they demolished part of the building, but now that the tower is up it’s actually not that bad and I’m glad at least that they didn’t demolish the whole thing. What’s great is that they’ve also gone ahead and refurbished the rest of the building with a fresh coat of paint, new lights and even had some oversized signages for some of the stores removed.
The building is looking pretty good now, and I wish more old buildings got refurbished as well. And I don’t mean Dasman Complex style refurbishing where they’re just horribly covering the whole building facade with Alucobond.
If you haven’t been to old salmiya recently you should, it’s really popping. Google Maps
Update: Just found a photo in my archive of the Northern Salmiya Building under construction
This might be one of my favorite projects so far in Kuwait. Inspired by Kuwait’s traditional courtyard houses, the Zen Villa features a deliberate minimalist design intended to envelop residents in a panoramic view of surrounding palm trees and horse barns. It was designed by the local award winning firm Fikrr Architects, and is located in Wafra.
Each room in the Zen Villa was designed with expansive windows spanning the full width of the walls, connecting the family with the surrounding nature.The interior palette and materials were influenced by the surrounding landscape, echoing the desert through hues of yellow, beige, and green. This approach harmonizes the villa with its environment, infusing it with the warmth and tranquility of the natural world outside.
Even the roof was given attention to. By maintaining a clean and uncluttered roof, the architects overcame the challenge of heat impacts that would be generated by heavy equipment such as AC units which could then travel into the center courtyard.
For more  photos of the villa, check out their instagram @fikrr and their website fikrr.com
Photos by @ngphoto.com.pt
Since it’s the month of giving, I decided for this design highlight I’d post about Mariam’s Library, a corporate social responsibility project by local architects, Parallel Studio.
Mariam’s Library was created with the aim of providing enhanced educational opportunities to students situated in the village of Mwanyanya in Zanzibar. The project originated from Parallel’s Studio commitment to giving back to both local and global communities through their Parallel Gives Program.
The library has two main zones, the first is a designated area for reading and study. It was designed similar to a stage so to maximize seating capacity. The second zone is an open space meant for community engagement and group activities. The result is a space that fulfills both practical and aesthetic requirements.
Speaking of aesthetics, when it came to the design of the library, Parallel Studio made sure to balance traditional architectural elements with modern design principles, while still also respecting Zanzibar’s architectural heritage. The materials they used were carefully selected to honor both the environment and local craftsmanship. For example, they used clay bricks in both the exterior and interior since it helps cool down temperatures during the summer season, while the fiber corrugated roofing was installed to allow daylight to filter in and provide ambient lighting.
I love the look of this library and the initiative behind it. Plus, the fact that it took only 34 days from start to finish is impressive. To see more work by Parallel Studio check out their instagram @parallel_studio
Photos by Nassor Othman
This is a simple, but fun and very cute idea. Local design studio Mud Architects were commissioned to design a stall for Doh! at the new food hall in Khiran Mall.
Taking inspiration from the location of the food hall being in a beach town, Mud decided to create a large donut floatie. The design choice was a nod to both the brand’s fun identity, and the coastal vibe of Khiran, creating an eye-catching and engaging presence inside the food hall.
Photos by @mashkanani
Located in Al Masayel area, I actually watched the Mamluki Lancet Mosque being built since it’s just a few houses down the street from my friend’s place. As the mosque was being built we could tell it was going to be something special because nothing about it looked ordinary.
The mosque, designed by the local design studio Babnimnim, is a modern building that draws inspiration from the traditional Mamluki architecture of Islamic Cairo. It incorporates elements like the Islamic dome pendentive ‘Moqarnas,’ whose basic shape results from a 45° rotation of a square around its center.
The interior of the mosque is as visually interesting as the exterior, and because of the way it was designed, there are no pillars in the middle, and instead is a large open space. The interior is minimal and calm, with plenty of day light coming in through the roof.
Mamluki Lancet Mosque isn’t open yet but will be opening soon. Here is the location on Google Maps. For some more photos of this project, click here.
Pixel House was designed by the Kuwait and Madrid based firm AGi Architects. It was completed this year and designed around two main features, privacy and temperature filters.
The garden which looks visually amazing serves as the first barrier to the warm air and the retention of dust. This first thermal filter is followed by the swimming pool which is covered with a perforated slab that will eventually be covered with climbing plants. The living room next to the garden area has openings to the shaded outdoor space, minimizing heat gain caused by solar radiation. Finally the courtyards in the middle act as thermal filters for the interior of the house.
When it comes to privacy, the living and entertaining areas are located in the most public part of the house, near the entrance. On the other hand, the private rooms are tucked away but are still attached to the outside area through gaps, patios and courtyards. The whole facade surrounding the pool also opens and closes for privacy.
For more photos, click here.
Photos by @ngphoto.com.pt
Completed last year, Bridge House is a beautiful multi-family compound that is located in Khiran. It was designed by the architects TAEP, and like their Tent House which I previously posted about, it also has a lot of cozy-looking spaces.
The whole plot features one long covered outdoor communal area that stretches from the rear of the house down to the sea passing through four distinct residential units. The concept behind the design was to prioritize family values of gathering and community which is why the outdoor areas in this weekend beach house becomes the main event.
To check out more photos, click here.
