Desert Escape

Ya'fur, Syria

The basic task here was to create an outdoor setting capable of hosting events for up to 300 people. The complications were the harsh desert climate and the timetable - six months from design to completion. All required functions, including an industrial kitchen, open bar, bathrooms, showers and changing rooms, are embedded within two limestone walls, between a series of linear gardens. Three finishing materials are used: travertine for all flooring and the swimming pool; Nuala limestone for the walls of the 40-metre-long pergola; and teak wood for the shade structure.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture