Basalt House by Aamer Qaisiyah

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

AQ : The main idea and principle in my design is to combine ancient Roman architecture and modern architecture to create a new urban culture based on simplicity and comfort in addition to luxury and beauty. What inspired me the most was the ancient houses that were built in my area during the era of the Roman Empire.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

AQ : My focus has been more on simplicity and comfort, as it is my principle that “less is more” which I focused on in my project with simplicity of designing. In my opinion, in our current time many designs are complex and incomprehensible and disturbing. Therefore, my primary goal is to create a creative design that is comfortable and simple and to spread this culture globally.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

AQ : My future plan is to implement this project and to see it built in reality, and of course my aim is to try to spread this design and this culture as much as possible.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

AQ : It took nearly 3 months to design this project, ranging from researching and studying the idea to preparing maps and drawings, then making 3D design and producing work.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

AQ : I designed this particular concept since I have always liked the Roman’s houses built in my hometown. I pursued my own inspiration.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

AQ : The project has not yet been implemented, but we are preparing to implement it for one of our customers and very soon the construction process will begin to see the light.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

AQ : I wanted to combine the uniqueness of both the old and the new century’s architectures providing comfort, luxury at the same time simplicity.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

AQ : No, the design for this project was from my own motivation and inspiration, in addition to some support and encouragement from family and friends.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

AQ : The target customer is anyone who’s looking for a dream house that combines simplicity, luxury, and lots of comfort.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

AQ : What distinguishes this design is the combination of simplicity and luxury, between aesthetics and comfort, which are usually a rare combination to find

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

AQ : Basalt is a black volcanic stone. The design will It be built in a very solid area of Basalt rocks land in addition to the exterior cladding of the house. The houses that were built in the ancient Roman era in the region of Southern Syria, inspired me to do this project which were from Basalt stones as well. Therefore, the name Basalt was the most suitable name for this project.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

AQ : The research was done by using the internet and observing firsthand the designs built in my hometown in Southern Syria.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

AQ : This house combines both past and present architecture, with its simple exterior, sharp angles and unique combination of distinct material. Blending ancient architecture using Basalt and Oak wood with renewed creative ideas merging from this historical era.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

AQ : I designed this project on my own without from any assistance from anyone, but of course, like any architectural project, I needed some input for technical aspects, such as electrical plans, sanitary, civil works, and some technological systems in this project.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

AQ : This design is fully equipped and fully comforted with a unique automation system which allows the owner to have control to many things in this distinguished house such as; lighting, rolling shutters, boilers, heating and air-conditioning, and security system.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

AQ : No, my design was not influenced by any data or analytical research in any way. I watched houses in my old home town.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

AQ : The hardest part that I had to face was combining the popular architecture built in Southern Syria under the Roman Empire with today's simple comfortable creative design, using the latest technology yet keeping it elegant and interesting to viewers.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

AQ : I decided to nominate my project for this competition, because in my opinion, this architectural culture we’ve talked about should be spread globally. We need comfortable and attractive homes.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

AQ : I've learned to work hard, because competing in a world full of creative architects is very difficult.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

AQ : I would just like to thank A' Design Award for giving me the chance to share my inspiration and to present my design to the world.