In a desert of the United Arab Emirates, a building has risen. Majestic, grand, carved against the bright blue sky, lying in the slumbering sand, protecting the privacy of its guests from prying eyes.
Like a meteorite that changes its form when touching the ground. Ghaf Majlis resolves itself artfully to be crossed by natural sun rays which mark every fulfilled function.
A series of angular volumes with gentle slopes and sudden openings to the light.
Partitions define the exteriors while lines trace the interiors. Both interact to create a scenic composition that catches the visitor’s eye. Similar to boxes that open to reveal functions relating to welcoming and hospitality, their configuration pivots around a water triangle, symbolizing the true source of life.
I remember so clearly the first encounter in the middle of the desert. Just us, a few Ghaf Trees, and an ocean of sand. All it took was a turnaround with open arms. I immediately had a vision of what will be born in that landscape: a sculpture, something absolute, that could remain as a timeless sign. Angular, in stark contrast to the softness of the sand dunes.
I must admit that the creative process was fast. The initial idea worked immediately from the first sketches. Thanks to the precious collaboration with talented professionals, it was possible for us to create something beautiful.
Since I was a young kid barely able to reach my dad’s working desk, I always loved challenges which would allow me to play and grow as well as develop an insightful view of the future. My Italian heritage immersed in the Alps landscape represents my deep roots sunk within pragmatism, while my studies mixed with my sentimental nature are those wings I often use to fulfill my dreams. In the Ghaf Majlis project we imagined an architectural vision as a design project where each element complements the other. Light, water and shadows. The empty spaces and the fullness of the matter. The sizes, shapes, colours and materials. All are the sum of the elements which define a conceptual space finding its natural place within an unusual environment. Overcoming this challenge has left us with a huge wealth of experience that we’ll be proud to use for the next ambitious projects. 
Etereo / Bio
Mirko Sala Tenna and Stefania Digregorio, are the two architects and designers who founded Etereo Design studio in Dubai in 2017.
They deal with architecture, interior design, landscape design, product design and yacht design. With their astute understanding of architecture, a vibrant, artistically abundant Italian heritage dotted with influences from the Middle East and harmoniously brought together with passion – Etereo – is born.
As creative inventors, their goal is to design soulful and inspiring spaces that encourage creativity. This approach drives all of their projects, pushing them to go beyond the brief and lead from human experience to create unique spaces.
“A space must breathe in order for the people who live in it to breathe”
Architecture and design lie at the heart of their studio’s ethos and encompass a multitude of different functions in order to see the project from conception to completion.
These functions range from envisioning the artistic direction, selection of materials and finishes, sourcing from some of the best suppliers, to execution of all the finer details.
Their approach is focused on bringing delight and unique solutions to their clients.
They take time to ask the right questions, which helps them to put forward solutions that are functional, beautiful, and inspiring on a vast spectrum of personal and professional characteristics.
Their works range from engineering and spatial design to poetry and fine arts – the experiences brought about by each often satiating the curiosity of the other.
The contrast between the concreteness, the physicality of architectural structures, and the intangible nature of the ethereal world is the perfect combination that they’ve come to appreciate and love.
