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The Nasayem House Brings Wind, Light, and Natural Materials to Saadiyat Island

ByMyProperty Life

On Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the Nasayem house by A Work of Substance offers a modern sanctuary inspired by desert winds, light, and cultural heritage. Spanning nearly 19,400 square feet, this private residence is shaped not only by architectural vision but also by the desert’s gentle breezes – its very name, Nasayem, means “soft winds” in Arabic.

A modern interior space with wooden stairs, a marble floor, a built-in bench, and an indoor tree surrounded by a circular planter.

Rather than shielding itself from the environment, the home embraces the natural forces of Saadiyat Island. Wind, light, and shadow are treated as design partners, weaving through the layers of the building to create a living, breathing structure. The result is a residence that feels at once secluded and open, intimate and expansive.

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A modern wooden staircase with glass railing above a minimalist bench holding potted plants, set against a white wall and marble floor.

Every detail reflects a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region. Intricate Arabic patterns are etched into archways, windows, and screens, infusing the home with historical resonance. Hand-carved teak latticework, inspired by Bedouin geometric motifs, creates thresholds that filter sunlight, encourage airflow, and provide privacy without enclosure. Locally inspired materials such as palm leaf, mud brick, coral stone, and thatch further root the home in the desert’s timeless aesthetic.

A large olive tree in a round planter is centered in a bright, modern atrium with wooden lattice walls and marble flooring.

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At its center, Nasayem features a double-height courtyard that reinterprets a cornerstone of Islamic architecture. A massive live tree rises from the courtyard’s center, its canopy growing toward the skylight above. At its base, a circular bench wraps around the planter, transforming the tree into a focal point for gathering.

A large tree with a thick trunk stands in a round marble planter at the center of a modern indoor space with wooden lattice panels and marble flooring.

The courtyard also serves as a passive cooling system, harnessing airflow and natural light. Above, an expansive skylight filters sunlight, creating shifting patterns that move across walls and floors throughout the day.

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Wooden lattice panels arranged in a geometric pattern, with some panels partially open, casting grid-like shadows on a light-colored wall.

Minimalist interior with white marble floor, beige walls, a wooden bench on the left, and a decorative wooden lattice panel on the right.

Modern bathroom with dark green tiled walls, a unique round stone sink on a sculptural vanity, two mirrors, and brass faucets.

The home’s interior and exterior draw directly from the desert’s tones and textures. Walls and finishes are rendered in soft neutrals and sandy hues, while natural wood adds warmth and depth. The color palette is deliberately quiet and expressive. Handmade teak screens double as sculptural accents, regulating transparency and airflow while reinforcing the architectural cohesion throughout.

A person walks through a modern, sunlit lounge with wooden lattice partitions, open shelving, neutral-toned furniture, and large windows overlooking palm trees.

A modern living room with wooden lattice sliding doors, neutral-toned furniture, a low coffee table, and floor-to-ceiling shelving displaying vases and decor, with large windows showing greenery outside.

Nasayem is not only a bold architectural statement but also a demonstration of how design can respond intelligently to the environment. By prioritizing passive cooling strategies, the house reduces reliance on mechanical air-conditioning, instead using airflow, shading, and the central courtyard to regulate temperature naturally.

Two modern wooden chairs with beige cushions are placed near a floor lamp and in front of a wooden lattice divider in a softly lit room.

Modern living space with wooden shelving, ceramic vases, beige seating, and a wooden coffee table. Greenery partially visible in the foreground. Natural light fills the room.

A wooden reception desk with a potted plant sits in front of a large lattice wood partition, with marble flooring and subtle interior lighting.

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, marble countertops and backsplash, wooden stools, and a potted plant on the counter. Natural light enters from the left.

A round wooden table with an open book sits in front of built-in wooden shelves filled with books, decorative objects, and art pieces in a warmly lit room.

A shelf with books and a vase on it.

Handmade latticework screens filter harsh sunlight while maintaining ventilation, and the integration of local, materials minimizes environmental impact while celebrating regional traditions. Natural textures like palm leaf and coral stone are both durable and climate-sensitive, offering comfort within the demanding desert environment.

A hallway with wooden lattice walls and windows, wooden floors, and natural light streaming in from above.

Minimalist living room with wooden furniture, white upholstered sofa and chair, coffee table with books, decorative items, and a wooden lattice screen along large windows.

A modern living room with a white sectional sofa, wooden furniture, and a wall of wooden lattice panels allowing natural light to enter.

From communal gathering areas to intimate escapes, Nasayem is carefully designed to balance connection and solitude. The combination of heritage-inspired details, desert-informed colors, and natural ventilation creates a residence that feels deeply rooted in its setting while attuned to modern life.

A modern living space with wooden shelving, decorative objects, books, a blue cushioned seat, and a wood slat partition.

Double sink vanity with round stone basins, brass faucets, and a large framed mirror in a bathroom with wood lattice walls and modern decor.

A modern interior with wooden furniture, woven paneling, a large wooden pendant light, a tray, a small potted plant, and a bottle on a curved wooden surface.

A neatly made bed with beige linens and a dark pillow beside a wooden nightstand holding an open book, with a wall-mounted lamp and a wooden accent wall in the background.

A serene outdoor pool with lounge chairs, a white wall, green trees, and decorative pots, photographed at sunset.

Outdoor patio with a beige cushioned sofa, striped pillows, wooden tables, and lush green plants and trees in the background.

Outdoor patio with a beige sofa and striped pillow, wooden floor, bench, and lush garden with palm trees and greenery in the background.

Outdoor kitchen with a built-in wood-fired oven, stacked firewood, countertop sink, and wooden cabinet doors under a pergola, surrounded by greenery.

For more information on Nasayem and A Work of Substance, visit aworkofsubstance.com.

Photography by Natalee Cocks.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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