The Forty West apartments are located in Westown, a mixed-use development located on the outskirts of western Cairo. Forty West, and the surrounding Westown, have been planned to alleviate many of the problems currently experienced in Cairo today; congestion, lack of outdoor space and lack of social space. By understanding these factors and carefully considering the needs of potential users the designers have been able to significantly differentiate this design from others of its kind.

The residential complex consists of 7 apartment buildings, centered on a central piazza that includes commercial, retail, and leisure outlets. The developer requested the creation of three distinct interior styles for the 120 apartments included in the development. Eklego’s designers utilized their understanding of the needs and requirements of the end user, especially those based in Cairo, in selecting themes for each of the apartment styles which we have used as departure points for the interior design. Each design theme expresses something about Cairo, the factors that make it such a unique city and place to live. The city's vibrant urban make up, its close proximity to the desert and its natural surroundings, as well as its rich historical heritage are what give rise to 3 distinct styles: Urban Chic, Natural Zen, and Modern Islamic.

The uniqueness of the project lies in the fact there are 40 varying layouts in 120 apartments, spread over 7 buildings. Hence lay the challenge of applying the three different styles to the changing layouts. The designers were intent on creating and respecting a certain modularity for forms such as fireplaces, bathroom features, and screens, but used different finishes/skins to reflect the various styles.

High ceilings, large window spans and a clear overlap between indoor and outdoor living is what architecturally unites all the residential units in Forty West. Adaptability was critical to the design of each apartment. The design aesthetic and functionality are flexible so that users can personalize their space and make the environment their own. The ability to adapt different styles of living is enabled by sliding pocket doors that can be used to isolate spaces, such as closing off or opening the kitchen. This idea is further reinforced by folding terrace doors that help to blur the divide between inside and out, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor spaces as if it they are part of the apartment interior.

The interiors and textile choices for the 3 styles, designed by Eklego Design, had to reflect 3 distinct personalities and moods to suit various client tastes. Modern Islamic has a finishes palette that is based on contrast, and features re-interpretations of Islamic patterns that adorn fireplaces, bathrooms, and closet doors, with screens that are a modern interpretation of the traditional mashrabiyya. With Natural Zen, horizontality is abundant in the design forms, inspired by the calmly horizontal lines of sinuous desert landscapes, while Urban Chic features a classic color scheme inspired by the sandy desert landscape of Egypt.

SODIC (Six of October Development & Investment Company)

Principal designer: Hedayat Islam
Design team: Eliana Candeias, Reem Hussam, Mirette Gurguis, Sandra Badra

Photographer: Faouzi Massrali