TAEP/AAP's Stunning Kuwait Residence Features a Towering Lighthouse on a Beach

 PROJECTS

The recently completed coastal resort, the White Fortress, embodies the core principles of Northern Gulf architecture — privacy and discretion. Named after the materials used, concrete and brick walls, this linear residence with a protruding lighthouse tower has set a new benchmark in Kuwait’s climate-sensitive buildings and settlements. Nestled on a private beach in Al Khiran Pearl City, Kuwait, the resort is the brainchild of the Kuwait-based architecture studio, TAEP/AAP, who aimed to design a luxurious escape that could withstand the harsh desert climate and arid surroundings.

By Sukanya Bhattacharjee 

14 July 2025

Image source: Dezeen.com

Spatial organisation and distinct zones

The rectangular-walled dwelling follows a linear plan and consists of a series of patios, gardens, courtyards, and a fairly large central “oasis” featuring tall palm trees. “Our proposal revives the traditional Kuwaiti courtyard house concept, integrating a central courtyard that provides natural light and ventilation and re-establishes the connection to the outside environment,” says TAEP/APP partner Rui Vargas. 

The layout of the home is divided into different zones. The ground-floor areas are organised around patios, with a spacious green oasis at the centre that separates the service areas from the private and social zones. The interior is filled with well-proportioned rooms that open onto pockets of green gardens and various oval-shaped patios. On the eastern side of the site, the courtyard nearest to the sea forms the most private area of the residence, where the three bedrooms are situated.

The courtyard connects the library and the dining room to the Diwaniya —  a culturally significant area where community heads come together to discuss social affairs, civic matters, and economic development. The term comes from the Persian word divan, meaning a formal meeting for discussions and negotiations. Gathering at Diwaniyas has been a long-standing tradition for generations in Kuwait and the Gulf region. It is within these walls that identity is formed, intergenerational knowledge is passed down, and imperative decisions affecting the community are taken. The Diwaniya is a fundamental aspect of social life in Kuwait that drives meaningful conversations and educates the community.

Traditionally spearheaded by patriarchs, these gatherings now welcome women, provided they respect the cultural expectations when it comes to clothing and conduct. Through such enduring traditions, Kuwait is able to preserve its unique cultural identity, even in the face of the rising impact of social media and the modernisation of society. 

The social areas and patios are adorned with glazed facades that effortlessly blend in with the resort's original design. Each patio or courtyard is assigned a distinct function — to greet, rest, celebrate, and provide diverse experiences. A periodic interplay of depth and shadow unfolds as the meandering pathways and axial corridors guide visitors and residents through gardens and patios, connecting the main entrance to the private family areas.

Climate-responsive design

Image source: Dezeen.com

The envelope of the structure is defined by towering, thick walls that act as protective barriers while providing maximum privacy and seclusion. These walls represent the traditional architectural values of the Gulf and exhibit a monumental presence within the barren landscape. With an area of 11,250 sqft, the weekend retreat extends horizontally towards the coast while enriching the facade's appearance from different angles. 

In response to the climatic conditions, the house employs passive cooling and heating techniques, characterised by a modest design with textured and creamy-toned concrete. The simplicity and structural resilience of the material palette also evoke the tranquillity of the house. The interiors carry this theme forward, with exposed concrete in some areas for a pared-down aesthetic while honouring craftsmanship through ceramic, terracotta tiles, and traditional terrazzo flooring. 

The design incorporates plant areas and architectural elements like overhangs to ensure the spaces remain cool and comfortable, even in the heat.

Landmark features

Image source: Yatzer.com

The central oasis draws attention to a tall, cylindrical tower punctuated with oval-shaped windows, which the studio describes as a "lighthouse." This tower features an office space on the first floor and opens up to an enormous terrace. 

The second floor includes a prayer area that faces the qibla, a fundamental aspect of Islamic worship. The rooftop very interestingly becomes a reflective walking area with an intimate setting, ideal for witnessing sunrise and sunset. It forms a perfect frame of the sea, providing a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with oneself. The tower and rooftop provide sweeping panoramic views of the dunes, the house gardens, and the boundless horizon of the sea. 

While unapologetically modern, the White Fortress is designed with recognition and understanding of traditional Kuwaiti architecture. The result is a bold, striking design whose minimalist expression complements traditions carried forward from the past.