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Location: Seashell, Sidi Abd El Rahman, Egypt

Architect: BLCK.

Interior Designer/ Designer: BLCK.

Construction Company: BLCK.

Photographer Credit: Nour El Refai

SKY 19 is considered by BLCK. to be indubitably one of their most challenging projects to work on. Coordination became the most important skill in this project, as the client did not know what he wanted in terms of aesthetics. He trusted BLCK. with the project and followed the designers in complete trust. Everything in the project had to be carefully thought of, from the start from the biggest elements to the tiniest details in order to streamline the process and come out with a project that the designers had envisioned, and the client enjoyed.

The client owns a seaside property with a triangular-shaped land plot overlooking an artificial lagoon. He wanted something one of a kind, and to try to make up for the lost sea view by creating another view outdoors with a beautiful pool overlooking the artificial lagoon. This meant that many of BLCK.’s design decisions allowed for the property to fit well into it’s environment, as the outside area was heavily impacted by the plot shape, sun orientation, wind direction, as well as both the natural and manmade landscapes. All these factors were taken into consideration in the design process, such as positioning the main area of the pool to have maximum sunlight, the pool horizon aligned with the artificial lake, main eating areas aligned with the dominant wind especially the night breeze, and the dining table having the best sunset view in the backdrop of the artificial lake and pool.

The project fits very well with the environment in terms of exterior design, but the aesthetics of the interiors were intended to stand out. Sky19 is a unique beach residence, using only two dominant colours in its interior design, black and white. The modern, minimalist scheme creates a playfulness when paired with the lighting integration and hints of bright colours in décor and artwork. With BLCK.’s clever implementation of the monochromatic scheme, the house not only stands apart from all others in the area, but also allows for the focus of the property to be on the outdoor areas as requested by the client.

The client also asked for the lighting to be studied carefully for the interior and exterior in order to accentuate the design elements. Natural lighting is a key tool to designing and became highly important in the decisions for the exterior design in terms of which areas received maximum sunlight or offered sunset views. The property’s beautiful outdoors become even more so when the lights are turned on, accentuating each of the social areas as well as capitalizing on the big openings and architectural elements of the unit itself by playing with light and shadows. As part of the emphasis on the outdoor setting as it is the most used part of the project, the client requested that BLCK. increase the outside seating areas as much as possible. Due to their importance to the client, each of the main exterior areas is highlighted with the use of lighting, from the outdoor seating areas and dining tables to walkways.