Nasayem Private Residence

Blessed by the constant and ever present breeze of saadiyat island, nasayem – an arabic term meaning “gentle winds” –  is a private residence that recognises wind not as an external force to resist, but as a co-creator in the built environment. inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and artisanal legacy of desert tribes, the design harmonises communal gathering with intimate retreat, creating a sanctuary that balances connection and solitude.

The colour palette and materiality draws directly from the desert landscape – neutral, natural, and quietly expressive, inviting balance and harmony. handmade teak latticework screens inspired by bedouin geometric motifs define thresholds between public and private realms while modulating transparency and airflow. a double-height central courtyard serves as a central gathering space and passive cooling system, while the open mezzzanine above establishes visual and spatial connections.

Nasayem is a testament to sensory storytelling, light, wind, and heritage converge. it is a retreat that honours its roots while embracing a living narrative of place, memory, and the gentle persistence of the desert’s breath.

Designed by A Work of Substance – “we are a collective of passionate explorers from 15 countries. we exercise the art of forgetting what we know and look to maps of the past, as we scavenge for vibrant stories about the people and cultures that our designs inhabit.