London-based architecture firm Salloum & Salloum Architects Ltd. has recently completed the Jasra House project in Bahrain. Four years in the making, this architectural masterpiece showcases the firm’s commitment to excellence, sustainable practices, and an all-encompassing design approach.
In an exclusive interview, the architects reveal the intricacies of their journey, from the inception of their studio to the completion of Jasra House.
Please share a brief overview of how Salloum & Salloum Architects started, your mission as a firm, and the unique approach you bring to your projects, emphasizing the values that drive your work.
The concept of Jasra House was to create an architecturally inspirational piece of architecture carefully curated around the lifestyle of our clients. It is a culmination of a research-driven work of architecture that looks into vernacular architecture in the Gulf, re-interpreted by using contemporary materials and living standards. We designed a villa with an open courtyard in the middle, and every room with large glazed surfaces looks onto the courtyard, thus creating a catalyst for social engagement and interaction.
What was the initial concept or inspiration behind the design of Jasra House?
The site is located in a region of Bahrain rich in vegetation. We wanted to create a building that felt connected to nature by intertwining plants with the architecture and highlighting the historical nature of the site.
What were the significant challenges faced during the four-year design and construction process of Jasra House?
One of the primary challenges was finding a suitable contractor to deliver such quality and artistry and understanding the level of detail and complexity required at the client’s budget. The next challenge was to ensure that all M&E systems are designed to be hidden away from the naked eye and, thirdly, to find a glazing and aluminum system that can provide the height of 4m transparent glazed surfaces and be able to slide and perform in the extreme temperatures in the Gulf with temperatures regularly reaching up to 49 degrees in the summer. The clients were excellent to work with; they worked closely with our office and supported the overall vision throughout the project’s many challenges. They remained committed throughout the process.
How did the OTIIMA system enhance the overall aesthetics and performance of the villa?
OTIIMA allowed our design studio to use an aluminum and glazing system that performs at 4m heights, provides thermal efficiency in extreme heat and maximizes visibility with very slim profiles. The team at OTIMA was very supportive and helped us achieve the project’s overall vision. We were also lucky enough to find an installer in Bahrain willing to take on the challenge of installing such a system in Bahrain, which is a first of its kind.
How does your all-encompassing approach, handling architecture, interior design, and lead consultancy, impact the outcome of your projects?
At our studio, we approach every project differently; being a studio that also focuses on interiors, we have the benefit of developing the design of the architecture and interior together. Our studio focuses on the details. For example, the family dining table was designed to be made out of travertine; the table was created by a specialist stone mason in Italy from a pre-selected block of marble and shipped to Bahrain. This table weighed about 1 ton and had to be lifted into place by a specialist crane. These details are very time-consuming but, in the end, make a difference to the project. This philosophy runs through everything we do at S&S Architects.
Can you share any innovative techniques or materials used in JASRA HOUSE that contribute to its environmental efficiency?
One of the first things we adopted early on in this project was to design a basement where all the services, car parking and M&E equipment would be housed. We looked at the thermal performance and shading strategy of the villa. All the AC cooling is based on a VRF system, which is more energy efficient and reduces electricity demand by 40%. The walls of the villas were well insulated, and open-glazed areas were away or setback from direct sunlight to minimize solar gain.
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