Architects: Sahel AlHiyari Architects
Area: 866 m²
Year: 2022
Photography: Sosthen Hennekam
Lead Architect: Sahel Alhiyari
Lighting Designers: Corte Gherardi SNC
Structural Engineering: Asas Engineering Bureau
MEP Engineering: EMCC Electro Mechanical Consult
Landscape Designer: Lara Zureikat
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
B. Kanaan Residence, designed by Sahel AlHiyari Architects in Amman, has created a secluded yet connected living space within a densely populated area. Completed in 2022, the single-family house spans a 1,000-square-meter plot at the intersection of two roads. The design emphasizes a strong connection to a garden and abundant natural light. Functions are distributed across three levels, with essential living spaces on the ground level, additional bedrooms below ground, and the main bedroom suite above. The use of hand-chiseled barrel stone and intricate interior detailing showcases local craftsmanship, blending traditional elements with modern design.
The B. Kanaan Residence project, designed by Sahel AlHiyari Architects, involves constructing a single-family house in a densely populated area of Amman. The property spans approximately 1,000 square meters at the intersection of two roads, surrounded by two- to three-story residential buildings.
The house’s privacy is inspired by traditional Arab architecture, where introversion characterizes domestic spaces. This introverted design also draws parallels with archaic structures, temples, and even contemporary sculpture.
Interview with Sahel AlHiyari of Sahel AlHiyari Architects
The design aims to create a secluded yet connected living space with a strong garden connection and ample natural light. This is achieved by distributing the house’s functions across three levels: two above ground and one below.
The ground level serves as the core of the home, featuring living rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It is divided into two sections: a double-height main living room with skylights and single-height spaces for the dining room, kitchen, and restroom, with the main bedroom suite above. Large horizontal windows connect this level directly to the garden.
Below ground, three bedrooms and a living room are positioned discreetly, each with a sunken garden for light, ventilation, and privacy. The windows are screened by the courtyards to enhance seclusion.
The exterior facade and garden wall are clad in hand-chiseled barrel stone, reflecting Jordan’s early modernist architecture and creating a unified, monumental presence. This material choice seamlessly blends the garden wall with the residence. Inside, local craftsmanship is highlighted by the detailed hand-chiseled gypsum scores lining the double-height space. These features, which echo the exterior aesthetic, also enhance the acoustic environment.
The design achieves a balance of privacy, connection to nature, and appreciation for local craftsmanship, resulting in a distinctive living space within Amman’s bustling cityscape.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Amman, Jordan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
