Burodoqi's Joyful Summer House is Shaped by Rhythm
Cairo-based design studio Burodoqi has built a reputation for projects that prioritize human behavior, spatial clarity, and material honesty. Led by a deep curiosity about how people interact with their environments, the studio approaches each project as a living framework shaped by use beyond aesthetics. Their latest work extends that ethos into a context of summer rhythms, family life, and seasonal routines.
Set within the laid-back pace of Egypt's North Coast Mediterranean shoreline, this house was designed as a prototype for a young family that splits its time between city and coast. The design responded to the brief with a focus on climate-conscious comfort and lived routine, creating a two-level structure that separates rest and social activity. The layout is guided by a clear spatial rhythm, with material shifts and zoning strategies that support the family's daily patterns through long, humid summer days. 'The Joyful Summer House was designed to work inward and outward at once, a lower level that offers retreat from the heat, and an upper level that opens to sky, breeze, and shared rituals," explains Alia Mortada, architect and director of Burodoqi.
On the ground floor, private rooms for rest and recovery are defined by intentional calm. The palette is cool, with soft wall colors and lightly detailed ceilings that invite the eye to settle. Each room functions independently, tailored to moments of pause. In the master suite, the bathroom is conceived as a curved, open volume that is integrated rather than tucked away. As it sits comfortably within the space, it becomes a quiet example of how the design favors quiet control, surfaces that feel cohesive, and transitions that feel intuitive.
Connecting the lower level to the rooftop is a distinct shift in tone. 'Circulation became a key design tool, A bold central staircase acts as both threshold and pause, linking the inward-facing family spaces below to the more expressive rooftop above.' Alia tells SceneHome. The sculptural staircase, features a custom metal railing inspired by the whimsical forms of 20th century architect Ettore Sottsass and The Memphis Group, marking the transition from solitude to sociability.
The upper floor opens into a fluid layout centered around a communal kitchen, flanked by two roof terraces that support flexible social activities—morning breakfasts, sunset gatherings, or shaded mid-day breaks. There's no hierarchy to the space, outdoor flooring spills into the interior, creating an uninterrupted flow between three adjacent yet distinct social zones. This soft threshold blurs inside and out, encouraging large gatherings and a continuous sense of togetherness from day to night. Furniture and movement are loosely defined to accommodate shifting group sizes and spontaneous use.
What distinguishes this project is not a singular architectural gesture, but a quiet consistency. Materials were selected for their durability and tactile depth rather than aesthetic trend. Execution played a vital role in bringing the studio's vision to life. 'Every detail received careful attention from material procurement to the final finishes —a testament to what happens when rigorous standards meet creative ambition.' says Ahmed Shilbaya, Co-Founder of SCAS.
The house allows space for the family to evolve within it; for Burodoqi, it represents a continued interest in homes as adaptable environments—precisely executed, but open to the rhythms of everyday life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
10 hours ago
- CairoScene
Burodoqi's Joyful Summer House is Shaped by Rhythm
Burodoqi's Joyful Summer House is Shaped by Rhythm Cairo-based design studio Burodoqi has built a reputation for projects that prioritize human behavior, spatial clarity, and material honesty. Led by a deep curiosity about how people interact with their environments, the studio approaches each project as a living framework shaped by use beyond aesthetics. Their latest work extends that ethos into a context of summer rhythms, family life, and seasonal routines. Set within the laid-back pace of Egypt's North Coast Mediterranean shoreline, this house was designed as a prototype for a young family that splits its time between city and coast. The design responded to the brief with a focus on climate-conscious comfort and lived routine, creating a two-level structure that separates rest and social activity. The layout is guided by a clear spatial rhythm, with material shifts and zoning strategies that support the family's daily patterns through long, humid summer days. 'The Joyful Summer House was designed to work inward and outward at once, a lower level that offers retreat from the heat, and an upper level that opens to sky, breeze, and shared rituals," explains Alia Mortada, architect and director of Burodoqi. On the ground floor, private rooms for rest and recovery are defined by intentional calm. The palette is cool, with soft wall colors and lightly detailed ceilings that invite the eye to settle. Each room functions independently, tailored to moments of pause. In the master suite, the bathroom is conceived as a curved, open volume that is integrated rather than tucked away. As it sits comfortably within the space, it becomes a quiet example of how the design favors quiet control, surfaces that feel cohesive, and transitions that feel intuitive. Connecting the lower level to the rooftop is a distinct shift in tone. 'Circulation became a key design tool, A bold central staircase acts as both threshold and pause, linking the inward-facing family spaces below to the more expressive rooftop above.' Alia tells SceneHome. The sculptural staircase, features a custom metal railing inspired by the whimsical forms of 20th century architect Ettore Sottsass and The Memphis Group, marking the transition from solitude to sociability. The upper floor opens into a fluid layout centered around a communal kitchen, flanked by two roof terraces that support flexible social activities—morning breakfasts, sunset gatherings, or shaded mid-day breaks. There's no hierarchy to the space, outdoor flooring spills into the interior, creating an uninterrupted flow between three adjacent yet distinct social zones. This soft threshold blurs inside and out, encouraging large gatherings and a continuous sense of togetherness from day to night. Furniture and movement are loosely defined to accommodate shifting group sizes and spontaneous use. What distinguishes this project is not a singular architectural gesture, but a quiet consistency. Materials were selected for their durability and tactile depth rather than aesthetic trend. Execution played a vital role in bringing the studio's vision to life. 'Every detail received careful attention from material procurement to the final finishes —a testament to what happens when rigorous standards meet creative ambition.' says Ahmed Shilbaya, Co-Founder of SCAS. The house allows space for the family to evolve within it; for Burodoqi, it represents a continued interest in homes as adaptable environments—precisely executed, but open to the rhythms of everyday life.
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
What a Model Actually Wears to Set With Saudi Model Zahra Hussain
What a Model Actually Wears to Set With Saudi Model Zahra Hussain There's a certain image that comes to mind when you hear the word model - all glossy skin, dewy cheekbones, and aspirational chaos in the back of a cab. But Zahra Hussain, with her quick wit and even quicker shoe change, is here to gently unpick that illusion. The UK-based Saudi model never planned to become the face that launched campaigns. In fact, her path to fashion began not with dreams of runways but with a pragmatic twist of fate. As a university student studying Finance in the British countryside, her world revolved around textbooks and netball courts - until her height started turning heads. 'Everyone told me, you should model,' she says. 'So I walked into an agency on a whim, and they signed me straight away.' Just like that, the athlete became an accidental icon, trading sports gear for couture. If fashion demands conformity, Zahra sidesteps it with ease. 'My style is never one aesthetic,' she tells SceneStyled. One moment she's in ethereal pastels; the next, she's leaning into midnight-hued rebellion. Modelling - with its casting-call uniform of black-on-black - only deepened her creative fearlessness. 'Before, I'd thought, 'You can't wear that with that'. Now? Who actually cares?' Raised Muslim in rural England, deeply rooted in her Saudi heritage, Zahra carries her identity with both gentleness and clarity. 'There's a generational shift happening. My mum might not love some of the outfits I wear now, but Arab fashion isn't monolithic.' For her, style is a space for nuance. 'Respect your roots, but make room for yourself. There's beauty in balance.' Though she's graced international campaigns and editorials, Zahra's love for modelling is all about collaboration. 'Photographers, artists, other models - I love the energy of it. But I also wonder: why do we still centre European labels in our region's fashion story? There's magic in what we have - Saudi boutiques, in Egyptian craftsmanship, that we overlook.' And while her portfolio is full of high-shine fashion moments, she's also just really, really good at surviving a 6am call time without losing an earring - mostly by not wearing any. 'People don't realise - jewellery's a no-go. You'll always be asked to take it off, and you're bound to lose something eventually. It's just not worth it.' So instead of a glossy dreamboard of looks that rarely leave the stylist's rack, For this SceneStyled SELECTS Zahra shares the real model on-set edit. 'It's all about ease,' as she says. 'Chill, but it works.' Best on set outfit 'The best on-set outfit is all about ease - jeans you can pull on and off quickly, a stretchy tank so makeup doesn't get ruined, and slides for easy shoe changes. It's chill, low-maintenance, and you don't care if it gets a bit dirty.' A practical yet polished on-set uniform: mid-blue flared jeans with patch pockets for a touch of structure, a ribbed cotton tank that's soft, breathable, and makeup-friendly, and comfy LV slides that slip on and off in seconds. It's the kind of look that works hard behind the scenes - casual, functional and effortlessly cool. Sakura — Patch Pocket Flared Jeans In Mid Blue Skims — Cotton Rib Long Tank in Marble Louis Vuitton — Sunset Comfort Sandals in Blue/Blanc Casting outfit "For castings, it's always about keeping it simple- clean lines, no distractions. You want to look long, lean, and effortless. That usually means all black, something tailored, and absolutely no jewellery. You'll just be told to take it off- and if you forget, you'll lose it. It's happened.' A pair of high-waisted, flared black trousers, paired with a fitted cotton-blend top that hugs without clinging. The silhouette is sharp, especially when grounded by sleek heeled boots- something structured to subtly enhance her posture and add height without screaming for attention. And if it's cold? A checked Acne Studios scarf adds polish. Priya — Twill Patch-Pocket Flared Trousers In Black Harvey Nichols — Massachusetts Cotton Top in Black Off-White — Silver Allen Heeled Ankle Boots Acne Studios — Check Logo Scarf, Narrow in Black & Gray What's in my bag? 'My bag's always full of things that keep me ready for anything, Day-to-day beauty staples, a few snacks - just the things that make sure you're cute, fresh and prepared.' In her tote - Fendi's oversized FF-embroidered canvas shopper - you'll find the kind of staples that keep her camera-ready without trying too hard. A Mario Badescu rosewater spray for mid-day refresh, Clinique's cult Black Honey lip tint, a protein bar and an apple (always), and her Canon G7x. 'Anything can happen in a day, and I like to be ready—especially for behind-the-scenes moments,' she says. And then there's the one non-negotiable: Chanel's Noir Allure mascara. 'I always have my own. I'm not sharing mascara with anyone. Ever.' Fendi — Roll Large Blue canvas shopper with FF embroidery Louis Vuitton — Sarah Wallet in Blue Wash Mario Badescu — Rose Spray Toner For Refreshing L'Oreal — Paris Fine Flowers Cleansing Wipes Keihl's — Mini Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturising Cream with Squalane Clinique — Black Honey Lip Digital Camera (G7x) For Behind The Scenes If Possible Apple & a Protein Bar Chanel Noir Allure Weekend Dinner Outfit 'I do tend to end up wearing black a lot, but I just like things that feel classy and versatile - you can go to dinner, but if you want to go to a party afterwards, you're ready. I like little accessories that just make you look… expensive and chic.' A structured black Emiliana top by X REVOLVE paired with cropped Cindy trousers—clean lines, zero fuss. She adds height and attitude with YSL's patent Opyum heels, and slings the crocodile-embossed Le 5 à 7 bag over her shoulder. Gold accents - a twisted bangle and Prya's Mia hoops - finish the look with just enough polish. Revolve — Emiliana Top in Black Revolve — Lovers And Friends Cindy Cropped Capri Pant in Black YSL — Le 5 À 7 In Crocodile-Embossed Shiny Leather YSL — Opyum Sandals In Patent Leather Browns Family Jewellers — Soleil Collection Twisted Bangle in 9K Solid Yellow Gold Prya — Mia Earrings In Her Wardrobe That She Cannot Live Without 'They've been my dream since I was a little girl, and I finally got them' Tiffany & Co. — Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Necklace in Silver with a Diamond, Medium Tiffany & Co. — Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Stud Earrings in Silver, Mini
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
Dubai's Fashion Rerun Is Giving Preloved Clothing a Second Life
Dubai's Fashion Rerun Is Giving Preloved Clothing a Second Life In 2017 Dubai, the concept of walking into a boutique thrift store and shopping for secondhand clothing was not only foreign to locals, it was completely unimaginable. The emirate was preoccupied with its Dubai Bling-esque fantasies, and people sought individuality in luxury. That is the world that Dubai-based vintage and thrift shop Fashion Rerun was born into, tasked with reframing thrifting as a creative counterpoint to luxury. Fashion Rerun was founded by Muhammad Virji, who initially got into the thrifting business in 2003 Toronto after getting his computer networking degree, reselling secondhand finds from sorting facilities at flea markets. At the time, Virji viewed reselling purely as a way to make money as a fresh grad, not yet aware of the environmental and social significance of what he was doing. After managing a sorting and grading facility in Dubai, Virji found himself face to face with a mound of manufactured clothing on the daily, prompting him to think about how that impacted the world we live in. 'We were sorting through 40,000 kilograms of clothing a day,' he tells SceneStyled. 'That's when I realised—I had to do something.' With the help of his wife and her keen eye for design, as well as his experience with secondhand clothing, Virji founded Fashion Rerun and opened the first store in Satwa—but the journey was far from over. To get Fashion Rerun off the ground, Virji had to convince people that secondhand didn't mean second best. 'People weren't really aware of how unsustainable their shopping habits were. The more we educated them about it, and about how buying secondhand clothing means your pieces are one of a kind, the more they opened up to the idea.' To the small population that actually already enjoyed shopping secondhand, Fashion Rerun was a saving grace. It was the first shop in the region to do what it does, which meant thrift-enthusiasts no longer had to do their secondhand shopping in Europe or the US. From that mountain of daily clothing, Fashion Rerun picks pieces by tracking trends—or just following a gut feeling. 'Sometimes, it's just a gut feeling. You see a piece and you just know that someone is going to love it.' Fashion Rerun started with thrift—recently manufactured clothes worn once or twice and tossed away. But then came the art. 'At first, we were only mending clothes out of necessity, but we realised a thousand people could do that. So, we decided to incorporate our own art into the clothing, adding colourful patchwork and fun stitching to pieces that needed saving.' That creative shift birthed a second brand: EFAAR—short for 'Environmentally Friendly and Artistically Reworked'. 'We got to create our own streetwear brand, while also giving clothes at the end of their life a second chance.' EFAAR gained a lot of popularity, and both it and Fashion Rerun quickly became an integral part of Dubai's sartorial culture, joining community events and huge global happenings like Sole DXB. Now with a second store in Goshi Warehouse City, Fashion Rerun has come full circle. Or almost. Except—the learning never stops. The team behind Fashion Rerun continues to educate more people about the impact of shopping secondhand clothing, of what it means to save these garments, and of how shopping secondhand can introduce people to clothes with character and, occasionally, pieces that are entirely one-of-a-kind—like the time Virji found a rare Marvel X Men t-shirt from the 1990s. Throughout its journey, Fashion Rerun has always been intent on interacting with the community, getting live feedback about what people want to see so they can supply it, and creating their own community of secondhand shoppers in the process. Now, though, the questions are getting a little different. 'We're always asked why vintage clothing is so expensive, if it's secondhand. Vintage isn't expensive because it's old; it's expensive because it's rare, unique, and limited by nature. Only 0.5% of our daily sorting is classified as real vintage. Vintage is secondhand, but not all secondhand is vintage.' In a city obsessed with the new, Fashion Rerun reminds us that style can have a past—and still be the future.
