Introducing ‘Scandarabic’: A New Architectural Fusion of Arabic Tradition and Scandinavian Minimalism
By: Maree Design
Stockholm, Sweden — In a meeting of two distinct architectural worlds, Maree Design from Stockholm has created a unique architectural fusion they call “Scandarabic.” This new style combines Scandinavian minimalism and sustainable design ideals with Arabic architectural elegance and functional spatiality.
“Our ambition with Scandarabic design is to create an architecture where traditional Arabic building form and usage culture coexist with Scandinavian simplicity and sustainability innovation,” explains Ali Maree, founder and Chief Creator at Maree Design.
A First Conceptual Project: Villa Scandi Arabia
As a manifestation of Scandarabic design, Maree has developed Villa Scandi Arabia—a home specially tailored for the modern and socializing Saudi family. “In Arabic building culture, there is a strong focus on both hospitality and privacy, and that’s something we wanted to emphasize without compromise,” Ali Maree explains. Villa Scandi Arabia is designed to be multifunctional while giving both family members and guests a natural place within the building. “It’s about creating aesthetically appealing spaces that meet both social and private needs without compromise.”“The house has clear flows where each room and space is intended to function independently yet remain connected. We wanted users to be able to move freely without encroaching on each other’s privacy. We also aimed to create several point-specific outdoor areas, easy to maintain and each with its own identity,” says Ali Maree.
These outdoor spaces act as small oases, inviting various activities from social gatherings to tranquil moments for the family. One of the first areas that greets guests is a garden oasis with social spaces and parking surrounded by arched gates. These gates are decorated with semi-transparent Girih patterns—a geometric motif commonly used in Islamic architecture to create complex, rhythmic forms and play with light and shadow. Here, guests can move within a public garden without visibility into the family’s private quarters.
Entrance, parking and the main & social garden.
“We’ve integrated guest rooms with its own entrance, washrooms, and a living area for socializing, all connected to the main front garden. Guests can move freely between the garden and the living area. The idea is for each visitor to feel welcome and comfortable,” Ali Maree explains.
Villa Scandi Arabia is not just a functional building; it is also a place for rest and rejuvenation. “We implement designfulness in both exterior and interior design, which means integrating mindfulness through architecture and design,” explains Ali Maree. “Our goal is to create environments that foster calm and recovery for everyone who uses the building.”
This philosophy is reflected in the light, warm, earthy tones combined with natural materials that create a harmonious atmosphere. Spaces for reflection and protected oases contribute to a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Through designfulness, we want the architecture not only to be aesthetically pleasing and functional but also to contribute to people’s well-being.
A Space for Tradition, Innovation, and mindfulness
Another central aspect of Arabic culture is the ability for different groups to gather in separate spaces—men in one area, women in another, with children often running and playing in between. “To accommodate this, we positioned a central kitchen placed in connection both to the semi private living room and the guest room to serve both the rooms in parallel use.” says Ali Maree. “It offers flexibility, allowing social contexts to occur side by side without intersecting, which is a valuable aspect of Arabic culture.”
On the upper floor, the family’s private quarters include bedrooms, a living area, and workspaces. Here, the living area leads out to a secluded rooftop terrace—another oasis for the family. It is designed to be a peaceful space for both reflection and practical activities, such as gardening and cooking. “The rooftop terrace is shielded from any external view and designed to provide a serene and uncluttered impression,” says Ali Maree. “We wanted to create a place that feels calm yet inspiring.”
Villa Scandi Arabia also follows Maree Design’s sustainability principles, using local materials and natural and earthy tones to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere in the interior. “We use materials that are sustainable and aesthetically appealing, with a design that enhances natural light and creates a sense of openness and comfort,” explains Ali Maree. “We want every home we create to be more than just a building—it should be a place that feels alive and inspiring.”
In developing the Scandarabic style, Maree Design aims to meet contemporary needs for flexibility, functionality, and beauty while rooting itself in a rich and diverse architectural tradition. “We hope that Scandarabic design can become an expression of the intersection between tradition and innovation, something that feels relevant in today’s fast-paced and culturally global society.” Ali Maree concludes.
