Project Overview
The Nahyan Camp Villas project reimagines urban housing by prioritizing low-rise terrace housing over conventional high-rise designs. Spanning 3 blocks, each containing 8 buildings with 6 apartments per building, the development totals 144 apartments across the site. Each villa features approximately 500 sqm of space. The design introduces a terraced housing system where the apartment size decreases with each floor level, allowing the upper apartments to feature private roof terraces, fostering a sense of openness and individuality within a compact urban footprint.

Goals & Objectives
The project aimed to achieve the following:

  • Meet the housing requirement of 144 apartments without resorting to a high-rise structure.
  • Foster a sense of community and individuality through terraced housing design.
  • Provide functional outdoor spaces, such as roof terraces, for upper-level apartments.
  • Maximize livability and aesthetic appeal while maintaining spatial efficiency.

Challenges
The design presented several challenges:

  • Accommodating a large number of apartments within a low-rise structure.
  • Ensuring each unit receives ample natural light, ventilation, and privacy.
  • Balancing uniformity and individuality in the terraced design to create a cohesive yet distinctive architectural language.

Design Solutions
Bayaty Architects implemented a terraced housing strategy to address these challenges while enhancing the livability and functionality of the development:

  1. Terrace Housing System:

    • Each building consists of 3 floors, with 2 apartments per floor, creating a total of 48 apartments per block.
    • As the building ascends, the apartment sizes decrease, allowing the top-floor units to have access to private roof terraces, adding a unique feature for upper-level residents.

  2. Low-Rise Design:

    • The low-rise structure promotes a human-scale living environment, reducing the density and vertical isolation often associated with high-rises.
    • This approach enhances the sense of community within each block.

  3. Individual Roof Terraces:

    • Upper-floor apartments are equipped with private terraces, offering outdoor spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents.
    • The terraces create an opportunity for gardening, relaxation, and panoramic views, adding value to the apartments.

  4. Optimized Spatial Layout:

    • The buildings are designed to maximize natural light and ventilation for all units, ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.
    • Thoughtful placement of windows and shared spaces minimizes cross-views and maintains privacy.

  5. Community-Oriented Design:

    • The arrangement of blocks fosters a sense of connection between residents, while shared courtyards and pathways enhance social interaction.

Key Features

  • Terraced Apartments: A unique system that decreases apartment sizes on higher floors, creating distinct living spaces with roof terraces.
  • Low-Rise Structure: A departure from high-rise designs, prioritizing community interaction and a human-scale environment.
  • Private Roof Terraces: Upper-floor units benefit from exclusive outdoor spaces, enhancing the livability of these apartments.
  • Natural Light and Ventilation: Design strategies ensure that all units are well-lit and ventilated.
  • Community Integration: The block arrangement promotes connectivity while maintaining individual privacy.

Outcome
The Nahyan Camp Villas project successfully balances density, functionality, and livability through its innovative terraced housing design. By opting for a low-rise approach with thoughtfully designed apartments and private terraces, the development creates a community-oriented environment that prioritizes quality of life. This project highlights Bayaty Architects’ ability to address housing challenges with creative and sustainable solutions.