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Location: Manja, Madaba, Jordan

Interior Design: Anas Zabalawi, Within175

Architect: Anas Zabalawi, Within175

The secret retreat is located near the Ancient Greek city of Madaba, Jordan. The property is surrounded by an amazing landscape full of olive and pine trees, that helps you to relax and recharge your mind, body and soul.

Within175 integrated a minimalistic design into a combination of rough concrete (which is the main element here), with natural oak wood and glass. The whole concept behind this project is to release yourself from the bustle of day to day life and materialistic elements by recharging your energy, going back to nature, and fulfilling your mind and soul without any distraction. Minimal materials were used to shape the architecture in this way, so it blends with the surrounding nature, having the outside inside and reflecting the green shades of the olive trees, blue skies and the red soil on every wall and floor.

The main entrance of the house was made from rough concrete that gives any guest the curiosity to find out what lies within. Glass blocks were integrated in the concrete wall to offer sunlight reflection to the interior and to add shape to the front. Lighting was one of the most effective elements in showing the roughness of the concrete, adding serenity to the spaces both inside and out.

Large sliding glass doors were added to most of the rooms, and an open ceiling courtyard was created in the centre of the house to allow natural sunlight and a fresh breeze into all spaces. The building was lifted by 2 meters from the ground level so the view would not be blocked by the olive trees and for better air circulation.