Dar Maryam, Al Barsha, Dubai

Located in the predominately lower rental and densely populated area of Dubai called Al Barsha, the striking white pre-cast concrete façade of Dar Maryam stands out from the adjacent aluminum clad buildings through architectural balance, order, rhythm, and harmony. Dar Maryam compromises of 117 apartments, rooftop gymnasium, swimming pool, cinema, communal lounge, and a safe interior communal area for children.

The building is designed with a 75-year life-cycle held on a build-to-let basis with no future sale intentions. While residential demand in the area is strong, the supply of quality properties is weak and there is a rental price ceiling.

The solution is highly efficient apartment layouts, much smaller than comparable one and two-bedroom apartments, and with much larger than comparable storage space. All apartment floors are typical, and all bedrooms / walk-in-wardrobes / bathrooms are the same in all one and two-bed apartments, the only difference being that a two bedroom apartment has both a shower and bath.

The chosen materials were selected to wear in, not wear out, enhancing the life-cycle cost parameters of the building, and efficient space management has reduced the need for parking to one basement and one podium level. The inclusion of ground level retail has enhanced the appeal and utilization of Dar Maryam for both the residents and the local community.

Dar Maryam, completed 2021. ARCHITECTURE: BSBG / CONTRACTOR: ROBERTS CONSTRUCTIONS