Under a Foliage Roof in Al Barari

After the commercial success of Seventh Heaven at Al Barari (the second phase of the development), 10 DESIGN has been commissioned again to lead the subsequent phase of the development – Ashjar. The word ‘Ashjar’ means ‘trees’ in Arabic. Al Barari’s imputes for the development is to cultivate ‘a unique vision of high-end living in harmony with the natural environment’ providing lush green environs to its residents.

Ashjar is located 10 minutes from the Burj Khalifa. The development comprises 300 high end 1,2 and 3-bedroom apartments set within 21 individual low rise buildings each carefully woven into a lush forest landscape. Small clusters of these low rise buildings create intimate and private communities at one with nature. Dense planting, meandering streams, shared amenity and secluded gardens connect communities and allow controlled access to the wider master plan and amenities.

CONCEPT
Within the Ashjar site three primary block typologies are proposed creating a rich and diverse community. These ranges from the more extrovert and open, to the more introvert and screened to the larger exclusive terraced typology. In the extrovert typology, terraces and shading pergolas are woven to create a rich and vibrant façade self-shading external terraces and living areas. The introvert typology utilizes operable screens to open or close external terrace and living areas opening up to the vista or creating a more quiet secluded internal/external sanctuary.

The terraced typology affords a more exclusive experience for the larger units with entry via a naturally daylight core. Each typology is afforded the same quality of space and daylight together with a high level of finishes. Within each typology the connection to nature and the landscape is central and is created via a series of expansive terraces and gardens. This connection to nature and landscape expands upon the highly successful previous phases of Al Barari.

PLANNING
Within the ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ plan apartments are arranged around a central core with living/ dining areas located with wider dual aspect views at the corners. Large expansive terraces combine with fully retractable glass façade to blur the boundaries between inside and out. These terraces frame views to the Dubai skyline at upper levels whilst lower level apartments are afforded larger garden and landscape experiences. Rooftops are maximized with larger terraces and duplex units creating opulent private gardens in the sky.

Within the larger terraced typologies apartments are arranged to either side of the core with living spaces opening up to the corner views. Private bedroom suites and terraces, living rooms and kitchen/ dining spaces wrap around the core to provide 360 degree views. Smaller boutique garden apartments are located at the ground level interacting with, landscape, water and planting.

Entrance to all blocks is via a sequence of landscaped pools and gardens. Direct access from a secured subterranean parking level and lobby is also provided. This subterranean parking is private to the individual community with guest parking and drop-off contained above grade. The ground floor units are raised up from the general ground level. This affords a degree of privacy and separation between garden units and semi-public areas and allows natural daylight and ventilation to the parking.

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Materials provided by 10 Design