Drawing inspiration from the region’s desert hues and traditional craftsmanship

H+A‘s latest project, the Signature Villas at The Ritz Carlton Residences, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, is already highly sought after by young, affluent travelers eager to indulge in upscale experiences. For local residents, these villas offer a unique staycation opportunity, providing a perfect retreat designed for complete escape from the demands of urban life.

Established by Stas Louca, H+A is a Dubai-based studio focused on architecture and interior design for healthcare, hospitality, and wellness sectors. Their core philosophy emphasizes enhancing guest and patient experiences, with a strong foundation in research guiding their meticulous and practical approach to every project.

Located in Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Wadi Desert, the eight villas are nestled within a 1,235-acre private nature reserve. The architecture reinterprets the traditional barasti home, modernized with clean lines, sustainable materials, and luxury amenities. Central to their appeal is the design approach that seamlessly connects guests or residents to the surrounding natural environment. Each villa is thoughtfully positioned to harmonize with the flow of the sand dunes, with all rooms opening out to the desert through expansive windows, grand entrances, and courtyards that gently diffuse natural light.

“We understand that today’s traveller wants something distinctive. It’s less about the superlative luxury of ten years ago, and more about finding a haven that allows them to step away from the digital and into the visceral. They are searching for escape, and so we’ve designed a response to this, a space that anticipates their needs, is sympathetic to the environment, unapologetically beautiful and quietly expensive.” David Lessard, Design Director, H+A.

Focusing on the quality of the human experience, it was crucial to captivate each guest from the moment they crossed the threshold—creating an Instagram-worthy moment that sets the stage for an authentic experience. This coherence is achieved through the team’s rigorous research process, ensuring that the architecture and interior design consistently reflect the essence of the location and its culture.

Every detail of the Signature Villas is thoughtfully executed, drawing inspiration from the region’s flora and fauna, desert hues, and traditional craftsmanship—guided by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which finds beauty in natural imperfection.

“We were obsessive and highly intentional on every detail,” says David. “The ceilings in the villa are barasti timber slats that were all placed by hand. The tone of each one was slightly different, which lent itself to the authenticity of the space. The same approach was taken for the exterior, choosing variations in the tone of a hand-applied approach to create a craft-led, creative finish.”

The locally sourced limestone fireplace, handmade teak furniture, and handwoven rattan pieces create a warm and familiar atmosphere. Achieving a sense of home, or a home-away-from-home, required an empathy-driven approach, catering to the growing demand for living spaces infused with a sense of well-being. Traditional construction methods were integrated into the design, featuring low-rise monolithic walls that deflect heat, complemented by solar and advanced heat recovery technology to reduce energy consumption.

Outside the Signature Villas, xeriscaping focused on drought-tolerant indigenous plants, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. This approach underscores the importance of thoughtfully implemented sustainability strategies that benefit the entire community and foster a more mindful approach to design.

“We believe that this project sets a new precedent,” David concludes. “Being scrupulous about the design details, local sourcing, natural materials and budget, minimises unnecessary consumption and ultimately benefits everyone. Our pragmatism is a result of technical proficiency and innovation – which allows us to create more cost effective solutions that positively impact the environment, the client and the guest. We are redefining luxury in the face of a fast changing global situation.”