Shaping a new landmark
MEC’s Jason Saundalkar talks to Dan Sibert, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners and Ailsa Connery, Design Principal at 1508 London about Solaya, a coastal residential project that’s anticipated to become one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses
In Q4 2025, Dubai Holding and Brookfield Properties announced the launch of ‘Solaya’, a residential project that is expected to become one of Dubai’s most coveted addresses. The project is taking shape in Jumeirah 1 and will span 9 buildings across 40ac and boast a collection of 234 beachfront residences.
The project is designed by Foster + Partners with interiors by 1508 London, and is said to reflect the brand heritage of Meraas. The project is said to bring together architectural precision, understated elegance, and seamless indoor–outdoor living, all framed by panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
Here, Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant sits down with Dan Sibert, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners and Ailsa Connery, Design Principal at 1508 London to discuss how both firms are bringing the project to life in line with the developer’s vision, and what sets it apart from other premium residential offerings in the city.
Commenting on Foster + Partners’ involvement in the project, Sibert states, “Solaya is a landmark coastal development that embodies refined living, where the city meets the sea. The vision for this project, developed in collaboration with Meraas and Brookfield Properties, aims to deliver architectural precision and understated elegance. Foster + Partners was appointed to design the residential components of this coastal development. The intention for the masterplan is to create a large public space that is genuinely accessible and beneficial to the community. We were then appointed to design the residential components of the development, which are located on either side of the scheme and connect with the park.”
Connery adds, “The project is a distinctive beachfront residential development, each residence benefiting from beautiful views of the water and the city skyline. 1508 London was responsible for the interior design and internal spatial planning of the development. At 1508 London, we see Solaya as a project that perfectly encapsulates the essence of understated elegance- crafted interiors that are refined, intentional, and possess a serene sophistication. Our approach embraces a pared-back aesthetic that provides a timeless canvas for elevated contemporary living.”
Connery adds that 1508 London has extensive prime residential experience in London and Dubai, and says that her firm was approached by Meraas and Brookfield Properties at the early stages of the project. “We have a long-standing relationship with co-developer Meraas, having collaborated on numerous landmark projects across both regions,” she emphasises.
Discussing the developer’s vision and brief to both firms and if there were any special requirements, Sibert highlights, “A key feature of the development, and our work, is to ensure that these 9 buildings are surrounded by incredible native greenery, with every apartment orientated to maximise views and celebrate indoor-outdoor living by the beach. This approach allows us to contribute to a brand-new civic space for Dubai, taking the form of a spectacular landscaped park at the heart of the site, while creating exceptional homes.”
“From the outset, the client’s vision was clear – to create a design that genuinely reflects its beachfront setting. The interiors were intended to capture a relaxed coastal atmosphere through every element of design: layout, proportions, and materials,” Connery confirms.
She notes, “While the brief was open to interpretation, the resulting concept stands out within Dubai’s landscape of premium residential developments. Solaya distinguishes itself with an interior design philosophy that values timeless elegance over ostentation, with a design language rooted in its beachfront locale.”
With regards to the inspiration behind the project’s architecture and design, Sibert explains that the site’s unique nature served as his firm’s primary inspiration. “We used this to create a vision for Solaya which blends the buzz of the city with the calm of the sea, offering private homes set among native landscaping. Each home is designed to make the most of views and provide seamless indoor-outdoor living. The beach park at the centre of the development is set to become a well-known city landmark,” he shares.
Asked about the project’s design language and how it enables it to stand apart from other premium residential offerings in Dubai, he says, “Solaya brings greenery into everyday life. The transition from Dubai’s bustling city to its serene coastline is designed to be a smooth and enjoyable experience, featuring public spaces for relaxation and recreation.”
He continues, “This approach, aligned with the forward-thinking vision of Meraas and Brookfield Properties, enables the new residential buildings to be designed from the inside-out, allowing each home to have uninterrupted views of the coast and skyline. This creates a unique and varied external architectural expression. Green spaces around the residences add privacy, while keeping residents connected with nature.”
Indoor-outdoor living
Part of the developer’s vision for the project was for it to feature understated elegance and create a sense of indoor-outdoor living. To address these requirements, Sibert notes that the project features rough-cast stone from the local area for the buildings’ walls, which give them a natural, textured feel that connects to the beach setting. “In contrast, the balconies have a precise, modern finish, highlighting the mix of natural and crafted materials,” he points out.
“The design blends indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing greenery into the apartments to keep residents closely connected to nature. Homes feature courtyards, balconies, and terraces that seamlessly combine natural elements with comfortable living spaces. Ground-floor homes open to private gardens, while full-floor penthouses have private lifts, pools, and panoramic 360-degree views.”
“Between the buildings and the beach, landscaped areas create a sense of calm as residents arrive, easing the shift from the busy city to the relaxed beach atmosphere – a key part of the experience,” he states.
Adding to this, Connery outlines, “A seamless flow of materials from indoor to outdoor spaces enhances the sense of openness and connection to the surroundings. Natural travertine flooring, textured plaster finishes, and timbers blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, fulfilling the project’s vision of indoor–outdoor living. Carefully considered circulation maximises views and connectivity, while generous terraces extend the living and bedroom spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing frames panoramic vistas of the Gulf and Dubai skyline, reinforcing the feeling of continuity between inside and out.”
Asked about challenges or key considerations that had to be taken into account with regards to the project’s design, he notes, “It was essential to create a sense of unity between the different areas of the masterplan, as there are 6 new residential buildings on the peninsula that extends from the mainland and 3 new buildings to the north of the public beach. All buildings share the same architectural language and are woven together with greenery.”
Adding to this, Connery says, “The collaboration between the developer and design team has been a seamless partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and quality. The result is a development that exemplifies the expertise and dedication of all involved. While every project presents its challenges, the level of care and consideration invested throughout the design process positions Solaya for a smooth and successful delivery – befitting its place among Dubai’s most prestigious residential offering.”
Shifting focus to the project’s interiors specifically, Connery tells MEC that the material palette at Solaya was meticulously curated to achieve a timeless, tactile quality that harmonises with the beachfront context.
She says, “Light-toned travertine flooring was selected for its natural warmth and subtle variation, lending refinement without excessive polish. Complementary materials such as polished plaster and light veneers further enhance the serene coastal character.”
Here, Connery also notes that the brief for Solaya called for a timeless, design-led approach rather than one driven by trends. She continues, “A neutral, coastal-inspired palette provides the ideal backdrop for relaxed, oversized furniture and bold, sculptural forms. Tactile fabrics and materials invite touch, contributing to an atmosphere of calm and understated elegance. Every design choice was made to ensure longevity and authenticity, avoiding fleeting fashions in favour of enduring elegance, creating elevated living spaces.”
Making her closing comments, Connery explains that the project incorporates a number of sustainable and wellness focused elements.
She concludes, “Sustainability and wellness are central to our design philosophy, reflected in both the amenities and the residences themselves. Designed as forever homes, the residences are generously scaled and adaptable for family living. Exceptional-quality materials and thoughtful design contribute to longevity and enduring comfort.”
