^{Words By Allegra Salvadori | Photography By Tooze Studio}

Grounded Design’s LimeTree Valley villa in Dubai brings together modern minimalism and luxury, exploring the relationship between space, materiality, and connection to the natural environment. The design reflects a careful consideration of how simplicity can coexist with elegance, offering a home that is both visually compelling and deeply functional.

“We balanced modern minimalism and luxury by focusing on materiality, proportion, and function,” the designers explain. “We used clean lines as a foundation, allowing rich textures such as natural stone and custom metals to bring the space to life.” Their approach is rooted in precision, where luxury is not about excess but about creating a space that feels both elegant and livable. “Spatial planning ensured the elegance was subtle, with every custom detail enhancing the villa’s functionality.”

Material choice is central to the villa’s narrative. “Our goal was to create a calm, serene environment that appeals to the senses,” the designers share. The warm tones of wide-plank Khars timber contrast with the depth of textured microcement, which enhances the spatial experience by introducing a tactile quality to the walls.

“The materials were chosen for their ability to complement the villa’s overall design and support the flow of space,” they add. This deliberate selection of materials establishes a connection between the design and its surroundings, without overshadowing the villa’s simplicity. This approach allows the materials to become more than just functional; they deepen the emotional experience of the space, where every surface invites touch and contemplation.

The materials were chosen for their ability to complement the villa’s overall design and support the flow of space.

The spatial layout maintains a balance between openness and structure, ensuring movement throughout the villa is intuitive and fluid. “We used consistent flooring both inside and outside the villa to create a natural flow between spaces,” the designers explain. This continuity between the interior and exterior dissolves the physical boundaries, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. “The organic shapes within the interior extend to the exterior architecture, ensuring a harmonious dialogue between built and natural elements,” they add. The result is a villa that feels expansive, where rooms flow into each other without disruption, and where each movement feels guided and effortless.

The Zen-inspired courtyard and freeform pool create a meaningful connection between the villa and the landscape. “We viewed the courtyard and pool as extensions of the villa, allowing natural light to filter through and emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature,” the designers explain.

We viewed the courtyard and pool as extensions of the villa, allowing natural light to filter through and emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature.

“These elements not only contribute to the villa’s aesthetic but also promote a sense of tranquility and balance.” The freeform pool mirrors the villa’s design, enhancing the smooth integration of interior and exterior spaces and reinforcing the villa’s retreat-like atmosphere. The courtyard and pool are more than mere outdoor features; they are integral to the villa’s philosophy, creating a space where the natural world and human-made structures exist in harmony.

The villa’s bespoke elements play an integral role in its identity. Bespoke elements, such as custom millwork and tailored furniture, further personalize the villa. “Each custom detail was designed to align with the architectural language, supporting the flow of space and enhancing both its function and aesthetic” the designers tell Marie Claire Maison Arabia. These details elevate the villa’s luxury, not through excess but by ensuring each element feels purposeful and reflective of the space.

“Luxury lies in precision and personalization—creating an environment that is deeply connected to its space and the people who inhabit it,” they continue, highlighting that every choice made, from materials to layout, reinforces the connection between the villa and its inhabitants. This approach ensures the space feels unique and intimately tied to those who live within it.

Luxury lies in precision and personalization—creating an environment that is deeply connected to its space and the people who inhabit it.

When we asked the designers what soundtrack would suit the LimeTree Valley villa, both replied without hesitation: “Sway” by Dean Martin. After listening to it, we understood why. The song’s relaxed rhythm and smooth, effortless charm mirror the atmosphere of the villa, capturing its essence perfectly.