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CairoScene
3 hours ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Green Roofs to Riyadh's Deepest Metro: Schaduf's Journey into Saudi
Inside the landscape firm's most complex project to date: a 36-metre-deep green wall at Qasr Al Hukm metro station. When Sherif Hosni, Co-Founder of Cairo-based landscape firm Schaduf, talks about Qasr Al Hukm, there's a noticeable pause before he calls it what it is: the flagship. 'It's the biggest project we've completed,' he tells SceneHome. Schaduf began with a shared passion for sustainability—specifically, green roofs—and grew from there. But over time, one thing became clear: Saudi was the biggest market. It wasn't easy. Establishing a business presence in the Kingdom came with its own set of hurdles. But a strategic partnership in 2018 helped unlock the opportunity, and by 2022, Schaduf had opened a formal office in Saudi Arabia—just in time to take on its largest challenge yet. Qasr Al Hukm is one of Riyadh's main metro stations, part of the city's broader infrastructure transformation. At its core is a green wall designed and executed entirely by Schaduf—spanning 36 metres underground. Unlike earlier projects where Schaduf might have handed over execution to a local partner, this time they did it all themselves—from design to installation. They now oversee maintenance and operations, too. Today, Qasr Al Hukm represents more than just a completed project. It's proof of capability. And it marks the beginning of Schaduf's regional expansion.
CairoScene
21-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Woman-Led Firm ECOnsult Turns Local Sustainability Into Global Impact
From carbon-neutral homes to corporate green buildings, ECOnsult is proving that sustainable design is within reach. We no longer ask, Why go green? The real question is, Why not? This shift in mindset - this urgency - is at the heart of ECOnsult, Egypt's pioneering force in sustainable architecture. Founded in 2013 by Sarah El Battouty, a climate entrepreneur who refused to accept the status quo, the company has proven that affordability and sustainability can coexist. For over a decade, ECOnsult has been altering Egypt's built environment, project by project. At a time when green design was dismissed as an expensive luxury, the company took a different approach - one rooted in practicality, innovation and deep environmental responsibility. 'Sustainable design is at the core of what we do, bridging the gap between climate responsiveness, affordability, and accessibility,' Sarah El Battouty, founder of ECOnsult, tells SceneHome. 'A 'green' building is a building that, through environmental design, seeks to lower its environmental impact and maximize social and economic value over its whole life-cycle - from design, construction, operations, and maintenance, to renovation and demolition.' Architectural education for El Battouty has always been more than just a foundation—it's a guiding force. After earning her bachelor's degree from Cambridge, she continued to push the academic envelope with a master's in Climate Policy and Project Management from SOAS in London, where she began to reimagine the boundaries between academia and real-world practice. 'I wish to see more integrated environmental and social education across all fields,' she shares. 'So future generations can approach global challenges with holistic, not siloed, thinking.' That vision continues to shape her path today. As a board member of the American Chamber of Commerce Cairo, an advisor for AUC Architecture, and a fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, El Battouty blurs the lines between disciplines. Through ECOnsult, she brings that same methodical, mission-driven approach—designing not just buildings, but strategies, systems, and advocacy for better livelihoods. As the first Egyptian architect nominated for the Earthshot Prize, Sarah El Battouty put ECOnsult at the forefront of climate innovation. Her influence goes beyond design, championing women in sustainability on Egypt's National Council for Women and driving impact across African communities, earning recognition from King Charles' Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Initiative. Ranked among the 100 Most Impactful Women in Climate and recognized alongside visionary designers like Sir Norman Foster, Stella McCartney, Anna Heringer, and Francis Kéré, she proves that true power lies in rooted, local practices. For her, architecture isn't just about buildings, it's about people, progress, and a thriving planet. ECOnsult's defining moment came in 2020 with North Africa's first Carbon Neutral Residential project, a breakthrough in sustainable design that achieved a 10-degree temperature reduction without mechanical cooling. Recognised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Ashden, the project proved that green architecture wasn't just about cutting emissions - it was about transforming daily life in an era of rising temperatures. That vision extended beyond individual homes to entire communities. In Royal Herbs Village, deep in Egypt's Western Desert, where summer temperatures soar past 50°C, ECOnsult took on a challenge few dared to attempt: designing rural homes that could remain cool without costly, energy-draining air conditioning. The solution wasn't high-tech - it was smart. Local materials replaced energy-intensive alternatives, airflow was redesigned for maximum ventilation, and shaded courtyards became essential living spaces. On a 4,200 sqm plot, the practice built a self-sustaining complex of eight structures, housing 120 people, including workers, engineers and visitors. The village included a cafeteria, a clinic, meeting and training rooms, and a worship area, all designed to function efficiently in extreme conditions. Royal Herbs Village became the MENA region's first Carbon Neutral project, proving that resilience doesn't have to come at the cost of comfort. The impact was global. ECOnsult's work set a new benchmark for climate-responsive rural development, earning international recognition. Among its milestones was the world's first Green Communities Certification by the World Green Building Council. El Battouty's influence extended beyond design. As a senior advisor to the Egyptian President since 2014 and a UNFCCC Global Ambassador, she has positioned herself at the crossroads of policy and practice. 'With the largest portfolio of environmental and green transitions for Egypt's largest corporations, ECOnsult is also dedicated to advocacy, addressing how the building sector can further mitigate emissions and adapt to local needs. A women-led company, ECOnsult is now making accessible and affordable green buildings in Egypt,' El Battouty says. Innovation is embedded in every aspect of ECOnsult's portfolio. From the Pavilion Café in Italy, constructed using discarded refrigerating casings and waste wood, to Banque Misr's green-certified branch in Egypt, ECOnsult has consistently proven that sustainable solutions can be both high-impact and cost-effective. 'Climate action in the building sector is no longer optional; architecture for better livelihoods is now an integral part of all business growth,' El Battouty adds. Photography Credit: ECOnsult
CairoScene
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Cairo-Based Furniture Brand Esque Blurs the Line Between Self & Space
Rooted in personal connection and aesthetic discovery, Esque's latest pieces blur the line between furniture and selfhood. Some furniture is built to fill a room. Esque creates pieces that fill a feeling. It's a quiet sort of philosophy - one that doesn't shout for attention but lingers, thoughtfully, in the background of a space. The Cairo-based furniture brand was never interested in seasonal trends or surface-level style. Instead, Esque carves a space between design and selfhood, where furniture becomes more than a functional object. It becomes an extension of identity. Founded on the idea that personal connection is the highest form of luxury, Esque's name carries an unfinished quality by design. '-esque' is a suffix, an open-ended prompt. It's suggestive. It invites resemblance without needing replication. And for the brand, that resemblance is deeply emotional. Each piece is made to feel familiar, even before it finds a place in your home. 'Our aim is to create furniture that reminds you of you,' Sharifa Kabbany tells SceneHome. 'Not in an obvious way. There's memory in material, and emotion in design.' At the core of Esque's philosophy are three defining pillars: emotion, identity, and discovery. Emotion because no meaningful space is ever just about how it looks - it's about how it makes you feel. Identity because style isn't universal; it's personal. And discovery, because taste evolves and expands when you're invited to explore. This season, Esque invites us into 'Grounded', a new collection inspired by nature's quiet strength and imperfection. Think organic curves. Raw textures. Materials that feel untouched yet refined. There's something elemental in the way it's been put together - as if these pieces didn't arrive at your doorstep so much as they emerged from the earth itself. With 'Grounded', Esque explores what it means to return - to the natural world, to sensory stillness, to ourselves. Smooth surfaces contrast with tactile grain. Colours are lifted straight from the landscape - cool stone greys, earthy browns, muted greens - chosen to harmonise with existing interiors rather than overpower them. It's not furniture that dictates a room, but furniture that listens. Each piece has been carefully crafted to feel intuitive in function and timeless in form. And yet, there's innovation beneath the surface. The collection champions the brand's forward-thinking approach to design, embracing new materials and methods while staying deeply rooted in artisanal construction. 'We design with a research-first mindset. Not to complicate the process, but to get closer to the essence of what we're making.' This essence flows into every touchpoint - from the feel of a chair's curve under your hands to the brand's focus on seamless customer experience. That might be what sets it apart most in a crowded industry - its ability to design for people in motion. Not just young homeowners or design lovers, but people growing into new chapters. People discovering what home means to them today, and how that might shift tomorrow. Because sometimes the most beautiful pieces aren't the ones that impress others. They're the ones that make you feel most like yourself.
CairoScene
26-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Fathy Mahmoud's Porcelain Legacy Finds the Spotlight
From sculptural artistry to robotic precision, Fathy Mahmoud's porcelainware moves from legacy to public acclaim. You might not know the name right away, but you've likely seen the mark - FM - pressed into the underside of a porcelain mug, or hidden beneath a floral dining set passed down through generations. Just below it, the words: Fine Egyptian Tableware. Simple, understated. But behind those initials lies the legacy of Fathy Mahmoud, a visionary sculptor who helped shape Egypt's modern artistic identity. In the mid-20th century, Fathy Mahmoud imagined a future that extended beyond sculpture, one shaped in porcelain. From a small earthenware workshop tucked in Shubra, the industrious heart of Cairo, he laid the foundations for a porcelain factory that would be established in Alexandria, built with limited resources but boundless resolve. It was a bold, improbable undertaking. Yet just as the vision began to take shape, fate intervened. In 1982, Fathy Mahmoud passed away. His dream was left unfinished, left for his family to carry on. What followed was a quieter, more pragmatic chapter. The poetry of sculptural imagination gave way to the precision of craftsmanship. The factory gradually transformed into a beacon of refined technique and enduring quality — a place where artistry met function and state of the art technology. With a focus shifted toward perfecting methods, and expanding capacity, the brand remained largely behind the scenes for decades. Exporting silently, its name is absent from the spotlight, even as its porcelain graced homes across more than 55 countries with a production capacity of 7,000,000 pieces monthly. 'Our factory is a bit like a time machine. The most primitive, hands-on methods of production still exist alongside state-of-the-art technology,' Mohamed Fathy, CEO of Retail at Fathy Mahmoud, tells SceneHome. 'You'll find molds crafted entirely by hand, delicate flowers painted with care, and pots and tureens cast manually, just as they were decades ago. At the same time, we use CNC machines for precision mold-making, isostatic presses, and pressure casting systems. It's this rare mix of tradition and innovation, coexisting under one roof, that truly defines who we are.' Shaped by a journey of continuous evolution and guided by the belief that art is for everyone — a philosophy immortalized in the artist's iconic quote, 'Art for the millions' — this ethos has long lingered in the background, subtly woven into the fabric of the brand and quietly informing its growth. 'I suppose you could say we're an echo of an artist's first gesture. His momentum carries on, still moving through us, still shaping what we do. Though he passed away when I was only a child, I still carry him in ways that feel deeply present,' Fathy explains. 'That, to me, speaks volumes about the power of artists, not just to create beauty, but to reshape entire industries and influence the world far beyond their time.' After years of working behind the scenes, the brand is now stepping into a new era. With its entry into the retail world, it begins to embrace its name more openly, bringing its craftsmanship directly to the public. This marks not just a shift, but a transformation, a quiet revolution in its business model, where B2B alone can no longer contain its vision. Like ripples in a still pond, this new direction reaches the core of the brand, cracking it open to new possibilities. It is an invitation to reimagine the future, to carry the name of Fathy Mahmoud not only through the excellence of its porcelain, but through a renewed commitment to creativity, accessibility, and imagination. With two stores now open — one in Mall of Egypt and the other in City Centre Almaza — and a third on the horizon, Fathy Mahmoud is no longer just a name on the underside of porcelain. It's becoming a lived experience. These retail spaces are curated environments where heritage meets contemporary design, and the artistry of porcelain is brought to life in every detail. For some, it's an introduction. For others, a rediscovery. Younger audiences are finding something fresh and rooted, while older generations are seeing the brand anew, not just as a memory, but as a refined expression of design and identity, where the brand's quiet legacy steps fully into view. 'Design was once important but not central to our approach,' Fathy said. 'Today, we're transforming that mindset. We've established a creative department with designers from all over Egypt, and we're actively working to ensure that every piece we create reflects our local identity, with some exciting results already emerging.' Drawing from both local traditions and global trends, FM's designs today tell stories that resonate deeply with their audience. The Egyptian Buildings collection pays tribute to the architectural grandeur of the homeland, while Imaginarium speaks to a younger generation with its bold color palette and whimsical, imaginative spirit. 'What I want is for Egyptians to feel proud of the industry itself,' Fathy explains. 'What we've built is significant. We are a behemoth in porcelain, not only in scale, but in the quality and precision of what we produce. These are world-class pieces, crafted from the finest materials sourced both locally and internationally.' At the heart of it all is a return to Fathy Mahmoud — the influential Egyptian artist. A return that is both literal and metaphorical, as FM not only follows in his footsteps, but actively seeks to revive his artistic language through new porcelain designs. 'We began revisiting his early work — not just as a tribute, but as a way to bring his work back to life. It's no longer just about honoring a legacy. It's about continuing it, thoughtfully and intentionally, through every piece we create.'
CairoScene
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Cairo-Based Yasmina Makram's 80s Inspired Makeover of Orman Residence
Cairo-Based Yasmina Makram's 80s Inspired Makeover of Orman Residence Perched quietly in Giza, the Orman Apartment is a love letter to a bygone era. Owned by an old couple who moved in during the 1980s, a time when Giza was basking in its prime, the apartment holds stories etched into every texture, art work, and sun-drenched corner. Tasked with its revamping is Cairo-based designer Yasmina Makram, who was herself born in that same golden decade, a period steeped in nostalgia and emotional memory. Her design is a gentle dialogue between past and present: chinoiserie wallpapers, rounded arches, and reupholstered vintage furnishings come together to echo the soul of the '80s while embracing a contemporary sensibility, so as to keep it familiar and comfortable for its residents. 'Orman Garden has always felt like a hidden world tucked next to the zoo on the Giza Plateau,' Makram tells SceneHome. 'It is one of the most beautiful gardens in the region. Its ancient trees and tranquil atmosphere stir childhood memories, particularly for those of us who grew up in the heart of Cairo. The zoo area of Orman Gardens holds a special place, evoking deeply nostalgic and endearing moments.' Golden and glistening, like it had been brushed with honey, the apartment radiated at first glance with the warm glow of the sunlight pouring through the panoramic windows, casting a soft shimmer. Each wall, every corner, carries an intricate detail—individual brushstrokes in a greater spatial composition. From the large strategically positioned windows, the city reveals itself in quiet layers, the green sprawl of Orman Garden, the dignified dome of Cairo University, and the timeless silhouettes of the pyramids. It's a view that reads like a timeline, echoing the city's many lives — much like the apartment itself. Framed by this view, a delicate table en fer forgé sits beside a sculptural bookcase, encircled by bow-backed chairs that strike a balance between elegance and whimsy. It's a vignette suspended between memory and modernity, where time seems to slow just enough for coffee, quiet, and reflection. Channeling an Art Deco spirit, the sculptural walnut bookcase anchors the space — a nod to the 1930s, with its rich burl patterns adding a tactile layer of natural warmth. Each object it holds, from delicate figurines to curated artworks, has been intentionally selected by the design studio. Together, they form a quiet composition where every detail matters, thoughtful, deliberate, and part of a larger, storied whole. 'A defining thread in this project is its deep-rooted connection to a particular moment in time, the spirit of the 1980s. It's a space shaped by memory, designed to stir a sense of nostalgia and emotional familiarity,' Makram explains. 'The concept draws from the distinct energy of that era — its forms, its rhythm, its quiet confidence. In many ways, it embodies our design philosophy: something timeless, something that once was and will always find a way to be.' 'Our strength lies in blending timeless design elements with a modern sensibility,' Makram adds. 'We aim to craft spaces that not only captivate visually but also serve with thoughtful function, it's where beauty meets purpose. At its core, Orman Apartment embodies Yasmina Makram's ethos: something that was—and will continue to be.' Marking the threshold into the living room, a dramatic round arch unfurls like a gesture from another time. Its soffit, inlaid with a silver strip, traces the curve with quiet precision. Just beyond, in the corner of the room, an antique Émile Gallé abajour glows softly. With its golden light and delicate leaf motifs, it hums the lyrical elegance of Art Nouveau, casting shadows that shimmer with memory and meaning. Evoking a subtle botanical presence, and enriching the space without overwhelming, the golden and deep yellow wall papers used throughout the space contribute to the narrative of the design. 'The bold wallpaper in the entrance, bathroom, and bedroom we picked to add a delicate touch, perfectly balancing simplicity with opulence. This design choice was deeply informed by our historical research into the era's defining interior elements,' Makram says. Wooden accents run like a rhythmic refrain throughout the apartment, wrapping the space in warmth, depth, and quiet nostalgia. Custom oak carreaux flooring unfurls beneath your feet like a toasted beige sea, grounding the rooms with a tactile elegance. But it's the staircase that commands attention, clad in rich wood and edged with a sleek metal railing. One flight seems to hover mid-air, a theatrical gesture that evokes the era's love for expressive form, part architectural feature, part daydream. 'I believe talent is the bridge between intuition and intentional design—where gut instinct meets thoughtful logic,' Makram says. 'When paired with a sharp creative eye, these elements should flow seamlessly. At the heart of it all is confidence: trusting your vision and having the clarity to carry it through with purpose and precision.' Photography Credit: Sara Gaafar Studios
