Temple of ThoughtsArchitecture portfolio
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Kaal

Office & retail

Programme
Office & retail
Location
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Practice
Axio Architects
The two Kaal volumes and central passage seen from the street

The idea

Kaal evolved from connected upper masses into two distinct volumes, opening the central passage to the sky. The separation makes the space between the buildings a defining part of the design. Curved edges frame this passage, while a consistent material and formal language holds the composition together.

01 / Design study

Form & planning

The exploded isometric separates the floor plates and roof to show the relationship between the ground floor, upper levels and terraces. The ground-floor plan locates the street-facing retail spaces and central passage.

Exploded isometric — floor plates, terraces and roof
Exploded isometric — floor plates, terraces and roof
Ground-floor plan
Ground-floor plan

02 / Design study

The street edge

Looking upward through the central passage
Looking upward through the central passage
Curved facade and ground-level shopfronts
Curved facade and ground-level shopfronts

03 / Design study

Between the volumes

Stone bands, soffits and planted terraces
Stone bands, soffits and planted terraces
The pedestrian passage at ground level
The pedestrian passage at ground level

Next project / 02

Weshah

Vertical facade screens framing Weshah’s courtyard and glazed circulation core