Dubai Hills Villa: An Opulent Masterpiece Carved Entirely in Marble

An Indian businessman has transformed his Dubai Hills villa into a breathtaking testament to the beauty and versatility of marble. The seven-bedroom, 14-bathroom residence showcases an extraordinary collection of over 30 types of marble and other precious stones, meticulously sourced from around the globe and integrated into every facet of the home's design.

Key Takeaways

• The villa features 9,000 square meters of diverse marble and stone.
• Over 30 different types of stone were used in the design.
• The project involved eight months of planning and two years of global stone sourcing.
• Custom-made elements include tables, bathroom vanities, and even a clad Jacuzzi.
• Each room is designed around a unique stone theme, creating a kaleidoscopic effect.

A Vision in Stone

Umesh Punia, founder and CEO of Glaze Granite & Marble, embarked on a two-year journey to source the finest stones for his lavish Dubai Hills villa. Collaborating with designers at AD-Myra, Punia spent eight months meticulously planning the seven-bedroom, 14-bathroom property. His vision was to create a welcoming family home that also pushed the boundaries of stone's potential in interior design.

"Since the beginning of civilisation, stone has been the foremost medium of expressing the art of building," Punia stated. "Sculpture, monuments and stately homes that have stood the test of time nearly always have marble or natural stone as an integral part."

Global Sourcing and Unique Design

The villa is a showcase of eclectic colors and combinations, moving away from the trend of monotone marble. Stones were hand-picked from various corners of the world, including quartzites from Brazil, onyx from Turkey, and marble from Italy, Greece, and Portugal. For the kitchen, Neolith and sintered stone countertops from Spain were chosen.

AD-Myra's designer, Elisa Angelini, played a crucial role in bringing Punia's vision to life. She highlighted the unique properties of stones like breccia capraia from the Italian Alps, explaining how its colors and patterns vary depending on the depth of the quarry cut.

Beyond Floors and Walls

The use of marble extends far beyond traditional applications. Custom-made tables, bathroom and vanity elements, and even an oval Jacuzzi have been clad in segmented stones to complement their unique geometry. In a striking detail, even door and cabinet handles are inlaid with stone, adding a touch of luxury to unexpected places.

The villa boasts a sprawling stone bar, a swimming pool, and a basement party room designed for entertainment. The party lounge, in particular, features a vibrant combination of semi-precious stones, onyx, and metal, creating a true head-turner.

A Home of Timeless Elegance

Completed in August 2022, the villa has become a cherished family space. Punia's favorite areas include the master bathroom, adorned with an exceptionally rare blend of breccia capraia and emerald quartz, and the family lounges, which offer warmth and stunning design. The home stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and artistic possibilities of natural stone.

Sources

• Indian businessman's love for marble is carved in stone at lavish Dubai Hills villa, The National.
• Inside Dubai Hills villa made of marble - in pictures, The National.