TAEP/AAP encloses retreat within towering walls in kuwait
Architecture and engineering practice TAEP/AAP completes the White Fortress, a coastal residence in Al Khiran, Kuwait, embodying the architectural principles of Northern Gulf tradition. The design team sets privacy and discretion as the main priorities of the project, creating a serene retreat within its towering white walls. Shielding the interiors from the harsh desert climate, the enclosure contains a series of patios and gardens, offering a sequence of tranquil environments that unfold within the rectangular-walled house.
At the heart of White Fortress, photographed by Fernando Guerra, stands a cylindrical tower—a striking volume evoking a coastal lighthouse. This meditative space offers solitude and panoramic views of the Gulf and the surrounding desert. The tower connects to the roof, which doubles as a contemplative walking path overlooking the gardens, dunes, and endless sea horizon.
all images by Fernando Guerra | FG+SG, courtesy of TAEP/AAP
multi-use patios and gardens unfold in the White Fortress
The Kuwait-based team of TAEP/AAP organizes the single-story dwelling around patios, each serving distinct functions—to greet, rest, and celebrate—ensuring a variety of experiences throughout White Fortress. A central green oasis separates the service areas from the private and social spaces, fostering harmony between functionality and relaxation. Oval-shaped patios, small green gardens, and non-linear paths connect the generously proportioned rooms, enhancing the sense of discovery and intimacy within the home.
Glazed facades in the primary social spaces bring light into the interiors while framing the surroundings. A rhythmic axial corridor guides residents and visitors through the patios and gardens, culminating in private family spaces. Toward the seaside, the White Fortress opens to the Gulf. A semi-covered paved area engages with the surrounding dunes and vegetation, emphasizing the horizontality of the coastal setting.
TAEP/AAP completes the White Fortress, a coastal residence in Al Khiran
embodying the architectural principles of Northern Gulf tradition
the design team sets privacy and discretion as the main priorities of the project
creating a serene retreat within towering white walls
the enclosure contains a series of patios and gardens
offering a sequence of tranquil environments that unfold within the rectangular-walled house
TAEP/AAP organizes the single-story dwelling around patios
a central green oasis separates the service areas from the private and social spaces
project info:
name: White Fortress
architect: TAEP/AAP | @taep.ku
location: Al Khiran, Kuwait
area: 1045 square meters
team: Abdulatif Almishari, Rui Vargas, Carla Barroso, Alba Duarte, Telmo Rodrigues, Carlo Palma, Duarte Correia, Elvino Domingos, Emanuel Grave, Hassan Javed, João Costa, Lionel Estriga, Pedro Miranda
MEP: Mohammed Hassan, Rúben Rodrigues
interior design: Leonor Feyo, Carolina Grave
landscape: Susana Pinheiro
graphic design: Mariana Neves, Aquilino Sotero, Diogo Monteiro, Federica Fortugno, Nelson Ferreira, Luís Esteves
structure: R5 Engineers
site supervision: ASBUILT (Lúcio Silva, Ricardo Janeiro, Vando Beldade)
photographer: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG | Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom
