The Mountain | UNICA Architects

“Our vision transported us to a picturesque scene—a verdant mountain in the lower Alps, basking under the radiant glow of a sunny afternoon. From this vantage point, we gazed upon the mesmerizing sight of vineyards cascading down towards the serene shores of Lac Léman. Memories flooded our minds, evoking the recollection of blissful summer swims at the floating platforms of Frauenbad Stadthausquai in Zurich. We could almost hear the gentle lapping of the waves and feel the warmth of the sun on our skin. Our imaginations then set sail, envisioning the elegant wooden Rivas gracefully gliding across the waters of Lake Lucerne, connecting distant shores with their timeless beauty.”

The Mountain's project involves the construction of a versatile building situated at Dubai World Island. This structure encompasses 126 beachfront villas, a hotel, a shopping area, and communal spaces that face the sea. The design concept revolves around the notion of a mountain cliff gently descending towards water basins, creating a unique aesthetic. To reinforce this concept, all the building's engineering systems are centralized in a single enclosed room, while the various levels and functions are developed above it.

The result is a complex building where the commercial areas are distinguished by an overhanging section, supported by decorative steel pillars. Following the slope of a mountain, the highest elevation accommodates the hotel, restaurants, and commercial activities, while the lower elevation is dedicated to the beach villas. Beneath these functions, a spacious plant room houses the necessary technical equipment for the building's operations, effectively concealing them from view.

The residential areas are thoughtfully designed as terraces that span the building's height, interconnected by a series of ramps and stairs, creating a network of pedestrian paths reminiscent of an inhabited village. The balance between heights, solid structures, and open spaces defines the villas' aesthetic, providing each unit with generous terraces that offer breathtaking views of the sea.

In the interior spaces, materials such as stone and marble blend together creating unique luxury scenarios, with a contemporary vision on a flexible way of living.