Cover The Lana Duplex with panoramic views of the shimmering Marasi Marina waterfront in Dubai
The Lana Duplex with panoramic views of the shimmering Marasi Marina waterfront in Dubai
1 / 1
Anarchitect and Collectional blend bespoke artistry with cultural heritage to create a deeply personal home in Dubai of refined balance and meaning
In the shimmering waterfront community of Marasi Marina in Dubai, the sculpted façade of The Lana Residences–part of the Dorchester Collection designed by Foster + Partners–reflects the dynamic skyline of the city’s Business Bay.
For a duplex unit spanning over 5,380 sq ft, the homeowner, an art collector of Asian descent, engaged Dubai-based architectural firm Anarchitect and home design atelier Collectional to craft a home that “explores and reflects the deep cultural nuances found in Asian homes.”
Above The Lana Residences at the waterfront community of Marasi Marina in Dubai
The Lana Residences at the waterfront community of Marasi Marina in Dubai
1 / 1
The Lana Duplex evokes an atmosphere of quiet sophistication upon entry, with interiors and spatial configurations comprehensively adapted without breaking or moving walls.
Instead, Anarchitect introduced subtle material interventions. Timber floors were sanded and re-stained to enhance their natural grain and warmth, while foldable timber doors bring cohesion and continuity to the space, and bespoke wooden cabinetry anchors the expressive veining of the marble countertops.
See also: Home tour: A luxurious penthouse apartment on Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai
Above Interiors and spatial configurations were comprehensively adapted without breaking or moving walls
Interiors and spatial configurations were comprehensively adapted without breaking or moving walls
1 / 1
On the other hand, low-slung furniture in earthy tones on the outdoor terrace and within the double-volume living area accentuates the views framed by glass doors and retractable drapery that provide both shading and privacy.
Meanwhile, custom-made under-stair storage made of marble and architectural lighting by AtelierTrenteTrois redefine the spatial experience–highlighting key pieces in the curated collection and creating a layered visual rhythm that emphasises scale, materiality, and form.
Don’t miss: What makes a home soulful? Erica Concepcion-Reyes fills hers with meaning and intention
Christopher Boots’ custom lighting fixture illuminates the living room
1 / 2
Above Subtle timber interventions in the flooring and foldable doors
Above The custom-made under-stair storage made of marble
Subtle timber interventions in the flooring and foldable doors
1 / 2
Guided by a feng shui master, the homeowner’s cultural influences manifest through an impressive art collection elevated by bespoke design elements–where individuality surpasses standardisation, and design becomes a language for personal storytelling.
Together with the client, the design team travelled internationally to source limited-edition works and rare materials, procuring objects that contribute to a larger narrative of meaning, memory, and design excellence.
Read more: Home tour: A luxurious Burj Khalifa apartment with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline
Above The anthracite-toned Dream Room
The anthracite-toned Dream Room
1 / 1
Above Each room was conceived to evoke a distinct ambiance
Above An intentional arrangement of curated objects through feng shui
Each room was conceived to evoke a distinct ambiance
1 / 2
Moreover, the homeowner holds a strong interest in numerology–specifically in the power and associations of the number eight–and this is reflected in the intentional arrangement of curated objects and their spatial positioning within the home, including Collectional’s selection of the eighth edition in a series where available.
The homeowner’s long-term appreciation for certain craftspeople and makers is expressed through works by Peter Layton of London Glassblowing–an artist who inspired the client during their student years in the UK capital–as well as Ripples of Gravity by Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert, which the Parisian glass sculptor reimagined as a custom lighting fixture for the duplex’s double-height living room.
Above Laurids Gallée’s lighting piece and bespoke wooden cabinetry anchor the expressive veining of the marble countertops
Laurids Gallée’s lighting piece and bespoke wooden cabinetry anchor the expressive veining of the marble countertops
1 / 1
Finally, each room was conceived to evoke a distinct ambiance: a traditional family guest room, an anthracite-toned Dream Room, and a Blue Bedroom awash in shades of azure–each featuring carefully considered design elements and decorative details that respond to its theme.
Don’t miss: Home tour: An artful penthouse in Melbourne with dual living spaces
“The makers, materials, and techniques exemplify craftsmanship of the highest calibre to deliver perfectly curated spaces that define personal luxury,” comments Cristiano Baccianti, CEO of Collectional.
Above The guest room features carefully considered design elements and decorative details that respond to its theme
The guest room features carefully considered design elements and decorative details that respond to its theme
1 / 1
“Every piece selected is meant to engage with the space, creating an environment where art isn’t just displayed–it lives alongside the architecture, interiors, and the client’s lifestyle,” concurs Jonathan Ashmore, founding principal of Anarchitect.
He concludes, “It was essential that the design not only catered to aesthetic beauty but also fostered a sense of connection between the space and the artwork–where the client feels that every detail has been considered and curated for them.”
NOW READ
The architect behind the latest Aman Resorts talks about emotions and space
Inside 10 stunning dining spaces from the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2025
Credits
Photography: Edmund Sumner
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
