East African influences shape this contemporary outdoor sanctuary in Arabian Ranches 2
FLUID DESIGN
Seamless fluidity guides the eye across the garden, from the striking overflow/infinity pool with its Dubai-first stepped marble surround, to the curved, fluted outdoor shower that transforms pure function into a sculptural feature.
“A truly great garden has a story and must feel like a natural, living space you never want to leave“
Relocating from the verdant heartland of East Africa, the Kapoors had a clear brief: a garden that felt like home and the lush, layered greenery of Kenya’s forested landscapes. “At the same time, the idea of playing with subtle shifts in elevation and an overflow/infinity pool as the central focus, was integral in delivering movement and vitality,” explains Nabil Sherif of NGS Architects (@ngsarchitects).
Shikha elaborates: “We wanted the garden to whisper the story of our journey from Nairobi to Dubai. A great garden is an extension of the home’s soul – a private sanctuary that awakens the senses and creates a sense of tranquility.”
With this philosophy as the foundation, the design embraces layered levels to subtly define social pockets while maintaining a seamless flow. Child-friendly considerations were a non-negotiable, as was the desire for a nature-first design, as seen in the generous greenery, calming water elements, and inviting areas to sit and unwind.
In another NGS first, the side path paving features hand-poured resin that creates a swirl of visual intrigue.
“The design was also explored with an investor’s foresight, as a space created not only to nurture the family’s lifestyle but also to elevate the property’s future value,” notes Nabil.
Conceived as a personal retreat rather than a grand entertaining space, the stepped elevations guide visitors gently through the landscape, revealing moments of interest along the way. Completed in just eight months, the result is a Kenyan-inspired sanctuary that offers the perfect escape.
Shikha’s favourite spot captures this spirit perfectly: “I love the seating nook by the waterfall. The moment I sit, the gentle roar of cascading water washes away the day’s stress. It’s where I read, reflect, and feel most connected to the peace of nature I so enjoy.”
“We wanted the garden to whisper the story of our journey from Nairobi to Dubai”
SOCIAL SPACES
The freeform pool gets a big thumbs’ up from Krish, the youngest member of the family. “It’s the perfect shape for swimming laps and playing games with my friends!”
AL FRESCO LIVING
At the far side of the pool a modern reinterpretation of a classic pergola makes a confident design statement, and offers a welcome breath of air courtesy of a retro-influenced ceiling fan. “We never repeat a design, and the oval roof and gently curving, column-inspired structure frame the space as a quiet spot to unwind amid the greenery,” says Nabil. A sleek outdoor kitchen completes the scene.
SUBTLE DETAIL
Layered natural stone around the pool adds an organic, tactile element, evoking the earthy beauty of home and the calming sensation of being enveloped by nature.
LANDSCAPING
“Designed as a low maintenance space, the garden will naturally mature and evolve,” says Nabil. Inspired by Kenya’s vibrant landscapes, he layered tropical foliage and flowering bushes – including Washingtonias and foxtail palms – to create density, shade, and imbue natural abundance. The gentle cascade of the pool and vertical wall fountain introduce a soothing soundscape reminiscent of East Africa. “Throughout, soft curves and abstract paving shapes break up the geometry, conveying a fluid, inherently natural rhythm that ensures the garden feels welcoming, calm, and beautifully alive,” he adds.
ENTRANCE
The home’s entrance subtly echoes Kenya, with black and white striped custom-cut tiles on the risers offering a refined, minimal nod to the Kapoors’ origins. A cascading water feature in black absolute marble, topped with sculpted stone bowls and miniature palms, welcomes visitors and sets a calming, sensory starting point for their journey through the space.
BY NIGHT
The pool’s generous scale was a bold decision, yet rather than overwhelming the layout, it quietly anchors the garden, allowing each surrounding element – from the modern pergola with its shaded solo seating, to the curved stone bench and fire pit – to contribute its own character. By night, the space transforms entirely, illuminated through a meticulously curated lighting scheme, which is an NGS signature. The triple hand-sanded travertine freeform paving takes on a new luminosity while strip lighting along the pool’s underskirt and within the wall planters adds warmth and depth, enhancing the sense of immersion. The result is a seamless composition, rich in ambience and meaning, where lush greenery and the azure pool waters become the evening’s striking focal points.
Want to know more? Reach out to Nabil at nsherif@ngsarchitects.com