A house for a Son

Location: Oak Hill, Jordan
Type: Residential
Client: Mr. Kheir Eddin Maani
Year: 2019

Winner of Arabian Property Awards for Best Single Residence in Jordan 2012
Shortlisted in the International LEAF Award, 2014.

On a 7,000 square meter site west of Amman, the Al Maani residence sits amid rolling oak hills, offering views of Jordan’s terrain and Jerusalem. The house blends contemporary design with local identity, embracing the village concept and integrating with the natural surroundings. Built between natural rocks with local stone and plaster, the structure has a weightless yet silent presence.

The Al Maani family aims to create a one-bedroom house for their son, Kheir, that honors modern lifestyles while preserving traditional family ties and cultural values. The proposed site, 15 minutes west of Dabouq circle, offers proximity to Amman while providing a serene, natural setting characterized by oak trees and rock formations.

In a culture where family structure is paramount, the architectural approach must balance independence and self-expression with respect for tradition. The new house should cater to the modern desire for a healthy, independent lifestyle while maintaining a strong connection to family and culture.

Situated on Al Maani’s land in Fuhais, Jordan, the new house will be a detached one-bedroom residence near the main family home. Inspired by Arabian culture, where family and hospitality are central, the design creates a private, functional space that still connects with the family and cultural traditions. The house bridges the family bond, the land with the sky, and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding nature. By extending the natural rock formations, the design minimizes its impact on the landscape while defining the house’s boundaries.

Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow. Gibran Khalil Gibran