Different horizonsDifferent horizonsThe Muraba Residences, Palm JumeirahMuraba Residences Palm Jumeirah / RCR Arquitectes Designed by the 2017 Pritzker Prize Laureates RCR ArquitectesMuraba A traditional Emirati word for a building with towers and walls which connect to form a secure home space. Often a landmark, the Muraba becomes a significant part of the identity of its surrounding community.A unique point of viewWelcome to the Muraba Residences, an architectural gem set on the Eastern Crescent of Palm Jumeirah. It is an exclusive collection of just 46 apartments and 4 penthouses, every one of which is oriented to make the most of the uninterrupted views across the water, right along the skyline of the whole of Dubai.Every Muraba Residence is perfectly aligned East to West, each apartment having private balconies to watch both the beginning and end of the day. In the morning, you will see the sun rise over the city skyline, directly ahead of you. Sunset will be yours to own from your Western aspect. To the East lie two towering landmarks, the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, auspiciously aligned for the perfect view. To the West is the Palm Atlantis at the top of the Crescent.For those with different horizons.To look out across a horizon is always inspiring. To watch the sun rise over the city – your city – can energize your thoughts and crystallize your intuition.We have only five senses through which we interact with the world; the doors of perception, so they say. But what about the other senses? A sense of adventure, a sense of achievement, of well-being, of balance, of pride in one’s work? These are the things we build our world around.The apartments we have created are designed with a certain sensibility in mind. A considered visual aesthetic, yes, but also a conscious desire to create a positive ambience, a connection with the environment that may not be entirely tangible.Light is an integral element. How it behaves throughout the day. How it moves throughout the rooms. Open, but without compromising privacy.To be at home is to be entirely at ease with your surroundings. The space, the flow, entirely in tune. Ultimately this is what we would like you to sense in our design.It’s different here.It is impossible to define the word ‘quality’, equally difficult to define ‘good taste’; perhaps it is easier simply to recognise it when it is discovered.From the very beginning, and during the whole development process of the Muraba Residences, we thought deeply and collaboratively about what this space could become, on a very human level. The enduring philosophy and final form of the building, have been based on sound design principles with the resident always in mind.Even so, we must accept that our chosen aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, and I’m sure this will in fact be part of the attraction to those who choose to live here. But one thing has always been clear to me, there is no substitute for impeccable detailing and execution. It is this deep thinking, followed through with great attention to detail, that sets the Muraba Residences apart, and will continue to do so for many years to come.I would like to invite you to visit and explore the building, enjoy its light and space, be inspired by the views across one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities, and let me know your thoughts.The experience of working with RCR, and seeing the building develop from concept to completion has certainly been a very important part of my own life. Perhaps you too will be inspired to live here and make the building a part of your own story. I would very much welcome that.Ibrahim Al GhurairThe ResidencesThe Muraba Residences are very much the result of a collaborative vision.In 2014, Ibrahim Al Ghurair met with RCR Arquitectes in their home town of Olot, Catalonia, and quickly realised that their particular philosophy of design and architecture resonated perfectly with what he wanted to achieve.With so much development activity happening in Dubai and the region, it can be all too easy for discussions about sensitive and thoughtful architecture to be lost amid the noise of rapid building and strident economic progress.RCR’s approach has always been one of careful consideration and teamwork, interrogating each local landscape to develop a design which is specific to its location and purpose, and which will stand the test of time.Their unique approach has seen the team receive many awards throughout their career. Most recently they have been recognised as winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize, perhaps the highest global accolade in architecture, now placing RCR in the company of such revered names as Jean Nouvel, Renzo Piano, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, IM Pei and Shigeru Ban.This is of course a great affirmation of Ibrahim’s initial decision to work with RCR, but perhaps the most tangible evidence of how collaboration and dialogue can be so effective within a rigorous design process, is the building itself, now it is complete.Living roomFloor-to-ceiling windows makethe most of the panoramicviews across the Dubai skyline,and create a minimal transitionbetween interior and exteriorspaces. A key part of the building’sdesign is to balance maximumvisibility with the requirementsof each resident’s privacy. Thisis achieved by incorporating aninnovative louvred glazing systeminto the exterior of every facade. Itallows each resident to make themost of the vistas, whilst restrictingthe view into the apartment fromother angles.Kitchen and dining areasClean lines, open spaces and thecareful consideration of light arethe main themes of the interiorlayout. Each part of the apartmentflows almost seamlessly into thenext. This means that, althougheach area has a clearly definedfunctionality, the sense ofconnection with the whole space–an holistic living experience–isnever lost.Master bathroomCareful attention to detail createsa space that is contemporary andyet intimate. The challenge wasto maintain the feeling of lightnessand open-ness experienced in therest of the home, whilst affordingprivacy when required. This hasbeen achieved by focusing onthe quality of line, texture andthe introduction of light as a keydesign element. Each feature hasbeen deliberately chosen to createa space that is at once ‘of’ theapartment, and yet separate.The PenthousesEvery aspect of the Muraba Residences is the epitome of considered design and flawless execution, expressed within a fluent international aesthetic. Crowning this unique building are four penthouses, for those who want to take the Muraba living experience to the next level. Each penthouse has an extraordinary amount of indoor and outdoor space, with five double bedrooms (two with private balconies), extended living areas and a private elevator lobby. The generous outdoor living spaces are equally suited to entertaining or relaxing in private. You’ll enjoy unmatched views over Dubai, as well as the open skies over the Arabian Gulf as they become the perfect backdrop to your life.Expansive space for livingLight and open spaces areinter-connected seamlessly tomake the most of the large floorareas available, while at the sametime remaining immersed in theenvironment; skies, water andinspiring views.Extended kitchen & diningWhen it comes to creating agreat evening for friends, thesky’s the limit. Every chef knowsthe importance of kitchen layout–everything in it’s right place–butwhen you’re entertaining guestsat home you want to maintainthe flow of the event, as well asthe conversation. Here, there isa natural fluency between thecooking area, the indoor andoutdoor dining spaces, andbeyond to the city lights.Additional professionalkitchenFor those who entertain largenumbers at home, eachPenthouse comes completewith a fully equipped professionalkitchen, ideal for caterers or staff.Master bedroomThe master suite is laid out in alinear progression that considersthe dressing room, the bathroomand bedroom as a coherentspace, culminating in the privatebalcony and panoramic vistaacross the Palm. The result isa sense of balance and clarity;the right way to start the day, orconclude it.The AmenitiesWhen it’s time to relax you won’t need to travel far. The Muraba Residences boast a beautiful swimming pool area overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline to the East. The pool extends across the full width of the building’s facade and is connected to the indoor gym which is equipped with the latest gear. For the ultimate in relaxation, enjoy the therapeutic Vitality Pool, Crystal Steam Room and Experience Shower.All amenities are available for the exclusive use by residents.Fully equipped gymThe gym is fitted with the latestequipment and the floor to ceilingwindows mean you can work outwhile you gaze over the pool andthe skyline beyond.Vitality PoolLet your creative thoughts flowwhen your mind and body is atits most relaxed. At the spa’score is the Aqua Tonic vitalitypool, and both his and herspa areas are equipped withExperience Showers and CrystalSteam Rooms.Success is in the detailsWith such clean lines, flawless finishes and light open spaces, attention to detail is paramount. All the fittings, fixtures and appliances within each apartment have been hand-picked to complement perfectly the overall concept. Ultra-slim profile sliding doors and windows create the most discreet boundary possible between interior and external spaces, whilst maintaining the highest level of environmental control and functionality.Vision is one thing, execution is quite another matter, but it is this attention to detail that sets the Muraba Residences apart, and will continue to do so for many years to come.RCR ArquitectesPritzker Prize Laureates 2017“Innovation does not occur in isolation, but as a result of the joining together of different disciplines which can unite and give the best of themselves only after extensive examination. In architecture, innovation is often portrayed as something superfluous, perhaps merely something linked to design. But we shall only have real innovation if it is also at the origin of the concept, in the programme itself and in the material and the construction techniques; we shall only have it if it is present from the first moment, when the need becomes a question to answer, and if that question is considered by all the participants in the answer. Only something which improves a person’s experience qualitatively can be really innovating.”Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta – RCR ArquitectesOther projects by RCR ArquitectesLlar d’infants els colors.Private residence, Catalonia.Musée Soulages, Rodez, France.Pavilion at Les Cols, Olot.Living on the Palm is like livingin a different worldWhen the vision for Palm Jumeirah was announced in 2001, it was met with a mixture of amazement and incredulity. It has since risen from the sea to become one of the world’s most recognisable and desirable locations to live. At the same time it is also a neighbourhood with a distinctive identity.Palm living is different. Fresh air, open vistas, tranquil beaches; but within minutes you can be in Dubai’s free zones and central business district. As Dubai’s largest waterfront community, there is high demand to access this exclusive domain. There is only one Palm Jumeirah.Dubai is Arabia’s World CityDubai is a phenomenon. In just a few decades it has grown from a sleepy creekside village to a thriving metropolis; a world-class business and travel hub. It’s ambition and drive made it famous around the globe as it became a top-tier destination for inward investment, international visitors and a home to long-term residents from over 190 different countries. But more than just a magnet for superlatives and records, we have watched as Dubai has matured into a ‘real’ city. Beyond the first-class physical infrastructure, it is now a place where people can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle–from art to sports, concerts to cuisine–balancing their entrepreneurial flair and energy with the joys of relaxing with family and friends in a vibrant and safe environment. Dubai has always based its economy on its successful business acumen, and with major awards like the 2020 Expo, this momentum is set to continue, providing opportunities in equal measure to those who want to play.