MMA Projects signs Villa AB “The Sense of Majestic”

Among most distinctive projects curated by the international practice MMA Projects, stands Villa AB, an evocative 1,500-square-meter private residence located in Jumeirah, a prestigious seaside neighborhood just steps away from the iconic Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Villa AB is conceived as a sculptural residence, where the interplay of volumes defines the architectural monumentality of the building. Its modern, contemporary structure—imposing yet refined—is enhanced by the use of classic Roman travertine stone and a composition of interlocking parallelepipeds, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that emphasizes its singular character.

The street-facing façade features a rhythmic sequence of openings that allow natural light to filter in while ensuring a high level of privacy and protection from the desert sun. As a tribute to Arab culture and in harmony with the villa’s surroundings, elegant bronzed metal elements were introduced. These panels adorning the façade recall the Mashrabiya, with their delicate geometric patterns serving not only as ornamentation but also as a genuine passive ventilation system typical of traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Originally crafted from intricately carved wooden components, these lattice screens adorned windows, loggias, and balconies, bringing light, identity, and a sense of mystery to the home. In Villa AB, this ancient technique is reinterpreted through a refined circular geometric motif, allowing light to pass through while endowing the villa with both depth and intrigue.

The studio also designed the landscape, transforming the garden into a natural extension of the interior space. From this perspective, one can enjoy views of an infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the architecture. For the main entrance, the design team selected a high-end armored door by Oikos Venezia. Finished in Canaletto walnut, it combines elegance with security. Its custom bronze details integrate harmoniously with the façade, echoing the metallic tones of the Mashrabiya and reflecting the sunlight in warm, soft hues.

The interiors were conceived to echo the same materials used on the exterior, creating a sense of continuity throughout the spaces. Travertine stone defines the overall atmosphere, flowing seamlessly from one environment to another and paired with Canaletto walnut wood paneling in the living areas and doors, onyx in the bathrooms, and Forest Brown marble in the kitchen. The suspended staircase becomes a true focal point, with its travertine steps illuminated by a cascading chandelier of luminous rings—reflected in the bronzed iron circles of the Mashrabiya façade and in the mother-of-pearl details of the handcrafted lighting fixtures.