Driven Villas – Mykonos

archiSENSE studio

Short description

Driven villa - Mykonos, is situated in Dubai along the main axis of Jumairah road and originally was built in late 1900s. The houses had been left unrefined for decades, awaiting the right owner to take on the challenge of renovation. The design concept for the ambitious projects were inspired by the adventurous spirit of the client, Khadija El Otmani, Driven Properties partner whose dream was to give the houses unique characters and transformation.

The design brief centered around Mediterranean style, Mykonos. The existing façades demanded minimal modernization, with the caveat that the improvements should not impact the original characteristics of the structure and preserve the main elements on the façades, such as the projection of staircase outer shell. The radical enhancements in this type are expressed internally through opening up of spaces and altering the internal flow. The transformation of the main enclosed kitchen into a more show and exposed kitchen that is merged with the main living spaces has added more depth and layers to the house, at the same time has become a focal point and intimate zone amongst the other internal spaces.

In summary, the Driven Villa - Mykonos have undergone a careful renovation process that meticulously balances the preservation of the original architecture with the integration of selective modern elements. The result is a more defined and unified style for each in respect to architecture, interior and landscape. In essence, the design intent was to achieve a harmonious synthesis of past and present, allowing the historic charm of original architecture to coexist with the requirements of modern living in a seamless and well-integrated manner.