Designed by Claudia Baliyan, co-founder of the Dubai-based studio Creating Homes, the residence channels the calm essence of Bali into the UAE’s "green heart" - an eco-conscious enclave known for its lush landscaping, flowing water features, and sustainable ethos. The result? A bespoke villa that feels more like a mindful retreat than a showpiece.
“We were drawn to this project because of what the Al Barari community stands for,” shares Baliyan. “It offered a refreshing departure from the overly polished, high-gloss aesthetic that dominates so much of the Dubai market. This was an opportunity to design something more intentional and grounded, rooted in nature and simplicity, without sacrificing luxury.”
The architectural approach is contemporary organic, combining clean lines and large expanses of glass with warm, tactile materials like travertine, Swedish wood flooring, and custom wooden ceilings. The interiors are kept intentionally quiet: soft whites, beiges and warm taupes allow the natural textures to breathe, creating a cocoon-like stillness that complements the villa’s lush surroundings.
“The inspiration came from the calming, nature-connected essence of Bali, paired with the lush surroundings of Al Barari,” explains Baliyan. “We wanted the home to feel like a peaceful retreat: open, light-filled, and grounded in natural materials.”
From the marine aquarium painstakingly matured over months to the custom sustainable wood cladding, every detail reflects the owners’ commitment to wellness, sustainability and a slower pace of living.
“Achieving that balance between design integrity, environmental resilience, and longevity required extensive research, testing, and coordination with our suppliers,” notes Baliyan on the technical demands of creating a roof finish that seamlessly linked the indoor and outdoor design story.
The villa’s open-plan layout enhances its sense of calm and flow. Proportions are generous, light filters through every room, and indoor-outdoor transitions feel effortless. With six bedrooms over two levels and a total built-up area of 4,675 square feet, there is plenty of space for private reflection and effortless entertaining alike.
“Beyond the aesthetics, it was equally important to us that the home felt alive with an energy that flows effortlessly from one space to the next,” says Baliyan. “It’s a home that feels grounded yet made for entertaining; where you can host effortlessly while still feeling completely at peace.”
A meaningful part of that peace lies in the villa’s biophilic design principles - a philosophy that connects architecture with nature, encouraging harmony between people and their environment. Paired with Al Barari’s renewable energy systems, organic farm, and water-saving infrastructure, the villa becomes more than a home. It’s a statement about living well, living thoughtfully, and living in balance with the world around you.
Credits
Design by Creating Homes Interiors & Contracting, Instagram: @creatinghomes
Photosgraphy by Stefan Lindeque, Instagram: @steflindequephoto
