Zain Residence is a private family home located in Jordan, designed to respond to contemporary living needs while drawing inspiration from traditional Jordanian architecture and the heritage of Irbid including my grandparents' home. The project is named after my brother, Zain. While the house is primarily driven by functional and environmental considerations, its design also acknowledges the role Zain played in bringing family members together and strengthening family connections. These ideas were translated into the architecture through the inclusion of a central courtyard.

The design is organized around this central courtyard, which serves as the primary organizing element of the house. The courtyard improves natural ventilation, enhances daylight penetration, and establishes visual connections between different parts of the residence. It functions as a transitional space between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging interaction among family members while improving environmental comfort throughout the year.

The Al Zain Residence is deeply rooted in the beauty of a simple, intentional life a gentle reminder of an era when homes were cozy sanctuaries where architecture and soul intertwined. Designed to be a vessel for lifelong memories, the residence embraces a minimalist material palette, grounding its form in honest plaster textures and timeless terrazzo. It is a home that breathes alongside its environment.

A curated landscape of olive, loquat, pomegranate, lemon, fig, and peach trees provides both shade and sustenance for its occupants, while integrated planters of rosemary and fragrant herbs invite daily interaction with the earth. More than just a physical structure, the Al Zain Residence is crafted to reflect a living history; it is a space where every corner, piece of furniture, and rustling leaf helps cultivate warm, lasting memories, ultimately creating a home that possesses a true, enduring soul.

The spatial organization of Al Zain Residence follows the simplicity and practicality of traditional Jordanian homes. The house is designed as a single-story residence, reflecting the layout of many older houses in Irbid, where daily life was organized on one level to promote accessibility, comfort, and stronger family interaction. The residence includes a family living room, a kitchen, dining area, and supporting service spaces.

An additional living room is connected to the dining area, creating a flexible social zone that opens onto a balcony overlooking the surrounding landscape. The guest room is positioned separately from the main family areas and is accessed through its own independent entrance, ensuring privacy for both guests and residents.