The Brief
The client, a high-profile expatriate family, approached us with The Majestic Villa in Emirates Hills, a 6,000-square-foot property built in 2008 that had fallen into disrepair after years of heavy use. They sought a complete overhaul to transform it into a modern, sustainable luxury residence blending Arabian aesthetics with contemporary European design. Key requirements included open-plan living spaces for entertaining, a home office suite, and eco-friendly upgrades like solar integration. The budget was capped at AED 1,250,000, with a strict 16-week timeline to align with the family's return from overseas. We addressed challenges such as structural reinforcements for seismic compliance and integrating smart home systems without exceeding the financial limits.
Scope & Materials
Our team executed a full renovation encompassing structural, aesthetic, and technological enhancements. We demolished outdated partitions, reinforced the foundation with carbon fibre wraps, and installed premium finishes throughout.
- Complete structural overhaul: Replaced 120 linear metres of timber framing with engineered steel beams for enhanced durability.
- Flooring: Laid 450 square metres of Calacatta Gold Italian marble in communal areas and wide-plank smoked oak herringbone in bedrooms.
- Kitchen remodelling: Custom-built island with 3cm-thick quartz worktops from Silestone, integrated Siemens appliances, and soft-close walnut cabinetry.
- Bathrooms: Five en-suites fitted with Villeroy & Boch porcelain vanities, Hansgrohe rainfall showers, and heated limestone floors.
- Exterior works: Repainted 800 square metres of stucco facade with Dulux Weathershield, added cedar wood pergolas over 50 square metres of terrace.
- Smart systems: Installed Lutron lighting controls, Nest thermostats, and 20kW solar panels on the roof, wired for full automation.
- Landscaping: Revamped 2,000 square metres of gardens with drought-resistant Arabian palms, irrigation via drip lines, and LED pathway lighting.
Timeline
We adhered meticulously to the 16-week schedule, mitigating delays through phased procurement and on-site coordination. Milestones were tracked via weekly client updates and BIM software for precision.
- Weeks 1-2: Site survey, demolition of internal walls and outdated fixtures; removed 200 tonnes of debris.
- Weeks 3-5: Structural reinforcements and plumbing rerouting; installed new copper piping for all five bathrooms and kitchen.
- Weeks 6-8: Electrical and HVAC upgrades; laid 5km of cabling and fitted Daikin inverter air conditioning units across 15 zones.
- Weeks 9-11: Interior installations; fitted marble flooring and cabinetry, with painting of 300 square metres of walls in Farrow & Ball shades.
- Weeks 12-14: Finishing touches including solar panel array and landscaping; planted 45 trees and shrubs.
- Weeks 15-16: Final inspections, snagging, and handover; all systems tested, achieving full occupancy readiness on schedule.
Before → After
Prior to renovation, The Majestic Villa suffered from dated layouts with cramped rooms, faded beige tiles, and inefficient cooling that struggled against Dubai's heat. The kitchen was a functional relic with laminate counters and mismatched appliances, while exteriors showed cracks from settling foundations, rendering the property a shadow of its gated-community potential.
Post-renovation, the villa emerged as a seamless blend of opulence and efficiency: expansive living areas flow into a chef's kitchen with sleek quartz and integrated tech, bathed in natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. Bedrooms now feature spa-like bathrooms and custom wardrobes, with the garden transformed into a private oasis complete with solar-powered lighting. Energy bills have dropped 35% thanks to the upgrades, elevating the home to a pinnacle of Emirates Hills luxury.
Client Quote
What You'd Pay
For a similar full villa renovation in Emirates Hills spanning 5,000-7,000 square feet, expect to invest between AED 1,000,000 and AED 1,800,000. This range hinges on specifics: base costs cover demolition, structural work, and standard finishes at around AED 1,000,000, but premiums for imported materials like Italian marble or German appliances can add AED 300,000-500,000. Timeline pressures, such as sub-20-week deliveries, may increase labour fees by 15%, while eco-upgrades like solar systems offer long-term savings but initial outlays of AED 150,000. Custom elements, including bespoke joinery or advanced automation, push towards the upper end, ensuring a tailored luxury outcome without compromise.