Graphite Studio Residence

Urban Infill Strategy: In response to the rapid densification of western Amman, the building is composed as an unperforated basalt perimeter wall at street level. All domestic living areas, libraries, and an artist's double-height painting atelier look inward toward a quiet central water courtyard.

Material Contrast: The exterior envelope uses hand-hewn black basalt masonry sourced from the Jordanian Badia. In stark contrast to the rough dark stone exterior, interior surfaces feature warm European oak joinery, bush-hammered limestone floor slabs, and floor-to-ceiling slender steel-profile glazing.

Water & Microclimate: The central basalt courtyard features a shallow black granite reflection pool that acts as the thermal and acoustic heart of the house, absorbing urban traffic noise and providing natural evaporative cooling during hot summer months.