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The Wadi Hanifa Villa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is designed in the respect of the new local planning and building codes and of the cultural and environmental context of the region. This approach is reflected in the building’s aesthetic appeal and uniformity. At its core, the villa balances the needs a young Saudi family, combining private areas with flexible spaces for entertainment, organised around a central courtyard. The latter is inspired by the vernacular Arab wind tower, it connects floors while ensuring ventilation, providing natural light and both green and water elements. The water running along the courtyard wall separating the villa from the neighbouring property cools the air and contributes to creating a peaceful atmosphere at the core of the house. The semi-arid climate of the region is a major consideration also with regards to the design of all elevations, both on the street and internally, overlooking the courtyard. The main external façade is articulated by a local stone screen design, blending traditional construction methods and materials and giving them a new, contemporary form. This not only provides privacy but also improves shading and airflow, creating a microclimate for the extreme summer and winter conditions. Environmental sustainability and low-tech bioclimatic considerations are central to the design, which aims at blending key elements of vernacular Saudi architecture and materiality in a contemporary spirit, addressing the needs of the client.