For WatchHouse’s first house in the UAE, the design takes its cues from the rich architectural and cultural history of the Equestrian Club. Spanish-influenced architecture and the understated detailing of traditional stables inform the space, with arched openings, tiled surfaces, crafted details and references to saddlery woven throughout the interior.
The design looks to create a natural dialogue between the café and its surroundings, with the interior extending into the gardens through continuous flooring, planting and sheltered seating. Rather than feeling overly formal, the space is designed as a relaxed gathering place — one that feels connected to the character of the club and its equestrian setting, while reflecting WatchHouse’s approach to hospitality and craft.
The palette is primarily based around hand made glazed tiles, over 10,000 of them creating walls, seating and counters in a sympathetic palette to the architecture and stables. The tiles shift with the light throughout the day and become richer and more ambient as night approaches. Dense, brown terracotta tiled flooring, offset these to provide a grounding presence to the space.
Photography by Natelee Cocks