Nestled in the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Lime Tree Valley Villa, designed by GroundedDesign, is a masterful blend of modern minimalism and understated luxury. Designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, the villa embodies a seamless architectural narrative that prioritizes fluidity, openness, and refined elegance. Every detail, from the sculptural double-height foyer to the Zen-inspired courtyard, reflects a commitment to harmonious design, where bespoke materials and soft, neutral tones create an atmosphere of serene sophistication.

Project / client brief

The vision for this villa was to create a seamless blend of modern minimalism and luxury. The design ethos revolves around clean lines, understated elegance, and a soft, neutral palette. The focus was to craft an organic architectural narrative that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, while maintaining a sense of openness and fluidity. The home was designed to evoke both serenity and grandeur, merging sleek functionality with subtle opulence.

Design language

The villa is centered around a harmonious balance of forms and textures. Its architectural language is defined by flowing, curvilinear elements that contrast with the angularity of the structural shell. The façade and internal spaces emphasize fluidity, drawing the eye along smooth transitions, punctuated by sophisticated material choices. Neutral hues dominate, but are enriched with tactile finishes and moments of contrast through bespoke accents and high-end furnishings.

Spatial design and execution

Every aspect of the interior was meticulously curated to create a symbiotic relationship between light and space. Natural light floods the interior through expansive glazing, strategically positioned to maximize views of the landscape and reflect off textured surfaces, creating a dynamic play of shadow and illumination. The atmosphere is one of calm elegance, where every corner whispers luxury and refinement without being overtly ostentatious.

Challenges overcome

The architectural brief demanded maximizing both vertical and horizontal circulation, while maintaining spatial fluidity. The double-height foyer, with its sweeping staircase and sculptural, suspended lighting feature, acts as a focal point. One of the key challenges was integrating the kitchen into the open-plan layout without disrupting the visual flow. This was addressed by positioning it between load-bearing pillars, allowing for an unbroken sightline across the main living spaces. Careful detailing ensured that structural elements became part of the aesthetic narrative, rather than hindrances to it.

Key design features

The entrance sequence is designed to impress, with a custom-crafted pivot door leading into a dramatic double-height vestibule. The curved ceiling in this space extends over the feature staircase, evoking a sense of movement and fluidity. The home wraps around a Zen-inspired courtyard that acts as a central visual axis, visible from key vantage points—the kitchen, the entryway, and the upper-floor galleries. This serves to anchor the design and creates a strong connection between the indoors and the lush, landscaped exteriors. The organic, freeform pool echoes the villa’s curvaceous architecture, creating a cohesive visual identity that extends beyond the built environment.

Home automation

The villa is fully equipped with state-of-the-art home automation systems that enhance both comfort and efficiency. The smart home system provides centralized control over lighting, climate, and entertainment settings, allowing occupants to tailor their environment to their preferences at the touch of a button. Automated, motorized blinds and curtains enhance the sense of luxury, while adding practical privacy control.

Sustainability considerations

Sustainable design principles were integrated into the project from the outset. Energy-efficient glazing, low-energy LED lighting, and an advanced HVAC system ensure that the villa performs efficiently, while maintaining optimal comfort. The pool features a heat recovery system, and all materials were sourced with a focus on sustainability and durability.

Custom detailing

Bespoke elements are at the core of the villa’s aesthetic, with the interior featuring custom millwork and furniture tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Notable details include a built-in wine display, which acts as a sculptural feature, and the seamless integration of storage into the architectural envelope, ensuring that functionality never compromises the clean lines and open spaces.

Materiality

The selection of materials for this villa speaks to a refined, tactile luxury. The interior flooring is clad in wide-plank Khars timber, which lends warmth and elegance to the spaces. In contrast, textured microcement walls in the bathrooms and hallways create a monolithic feel, adding a layer of modernity and raw sophistication. Porcelain tiles from Taf House introduce a play of texture in high-traffic areas, chosen for their durability, as well as their minimalist aesthetic. The villa’s external façade is treated with a mix of contemporary cladding materials and soft stucco finishes, providing a textured, yet cohesive appearance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Landscaping

The landscaping, including the Zen Garden, is a critical part of the villa's identity. A combination of organic forms and carefully curated greenery ensures that the outdoor spaces feel like an extension of the interior. The naturalistic, freeform pool and lush garden soften the geometric structure of the villa, creating a balance between man-made and organic elements.

Furniture and lighting

The interior furnishings were curated with a keen eye for both form and function. Each piece was selected, or custom-made, to fit seamlessly into the villa’s design scheme. Standout items include bespoke seating from Tacchini and Ferm Living, which echo the villa’s curvilinear architecture. The dining room is anchored by a sculptural, handcrafted table, while luxury accessories from brands like Louis Vuitton and 101 Copenhagen add refined, yet understated accents throughout the space.

Lighting design

Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the villa’s architectural features. Custom-designed fixtures from renowned lighting houses such as KDln, Flos, and Rubn were incorporated into the spaces to create layered lighting effects. Strategic placement of downlights, concealed LED strips, and pendants ensures that every room has the perfect blend of ambient, task, and accent lighting, enhancing the overall mood, while drawing attention to key design elements.

Appliances and technology

The villa features high-performance appliances, with Gaggenau integrated into the kitchen for its sleek aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. The entertainment spaces are anchored by a Samsung Frame TV, chosen not just for its functionality, but also for its ability to blend into the design as a piece of art when not in use.