AGi architects wins in two categories for 2013 Middle East Architect Awards

AGi architects enjoyed yet another lucky year in the 2013 Middle East Architect Awards recently held in Dubai. In addition to being shortlisted in five categories, the Spanish-Kuwaiti firm won two awards for The Star House and the BBS Pre-School, both in Kuwait.

The Star House received Residential Project of the Year — making it the second year in a row that AGi won in the category — while the BBS Pre-School was named Institutional & Cultural Project of the Year.

Below are some images that AGi sent us.

Star House description from AGi architects:

"Star House means the beginning of the professional career of AGi architects. Nestled into the landscape, this beach house blends with the natural topography of the coastline of Kuwait and slowly reveals itself to the visitor when approached from the desert."

"Upon entry, one gets glimpses of the sea while going down to the public level of the chalet. The private side of the house, located at the entry level, is concealed from the visitors by a bamboo wall. Bedrooms and private living spaces remain isolated from daily activities. A three way stair, located in the center of building, organizes the different flows; family, friends and guests."

"Maximizing views to the sea dictates the organizational and formal structure of the beach house. On the lower level, the house extends into the landscape and the sea, accentuated by an infinity pool located in the garden."

"The initial design was master planned for three detached dwellings, each with extensive sea views while simultaneously achieving privacy from each other.  The client, instead, opted for a single house, two bungalows and a boathouse, with possible plans for expansion in the future."

BBS Pre-School description:

"AGi architects proposal for designing a bilingual preschool in Kuwait consists of two areas for different uses. On the one hand, educational facilities, including a kindergarten and a nursery and, on the other hand, a residential building will house teachers."

"The school has been designed with collaborative efforts under an organizational  management team that influences the quality and objectives of the project. Parents, students  and teachers all play important roles in the development of the school environment and should   therefore participate in the collaborative efforts of the design."

"The concept behind the classrooms aims the children could see their own growth reflected in the development and growth of the animals associated with each classroom and age group and, at the same time, enjoy greater independence facilitating orientation and navigation throughout the building."

Star House photos by Nelson Garrido, BBS Pre-School image by Impresiones de Arquitectura - courtesy of AGi architects.