Khusrow Niazi Residence
GOA's Role: Lead Architect, Landscape Design
Ghayyoor Obaid Architects (GOA) was commissioned by Dr. Khusrow Niazi to design a modern luxury residence on a 4-kanal plot along Hakeem Lucman Road, G-Sector, Islamabad. The site, nestled behind the commercial area with limited views of the Margalla Hills, presented both challenges and opportunities for a distinctive residential design.
GOA's approach emphasized retaining the site as a single entity rather than subdividing it — an unconventional but visionary move that preserved the integrity of the design. This decision allowed for the creation of a home that prioritizes exclusivity, architectural coherence, and a sense of belonging. The residence features only five bedrooms, but its true strength lies in the variety of interconnected communal spaces that revolve around a dramatic inner atrium — a hallmark of GOA's evolving residential vocabulary.
This central courtyard, accentuated by split levels and clerestory windows, creates an interplay of light and shadow that brings natural illumination deep into the heart of the house while fostering a sense of sculptural intimacy and visual connectivity. Materiality was carefully curated, with travertine stone cladding lending warmth and texture to both the exterior and interior. The restrained palette enhances continuity, creating a seamless flow from space to space and contributing to the home's serene, ethereal ambiance.
Externally, select segments of the facade are angled to capture the limited views of the Margalla Hills, extending the building's experiential reach and connecting the occupants with their natural surroundings. Rooftop and basement terraces, complemented by a sunken patio and a semi-enclosed wire-mesh skin, integrate indoor and outdoor living while ensuring privacy, security, and year-round usability. The wire-mesh screen also shields the pool and patio areas from falling leaves and insects — a testament to GOA's thoughtful attention to detail.
Throughout the design, every decision reinforces the home's timeless architectural identity, from the preserved mature silver oak trees that anchor the landscape to the subtle yet purposeful interplay of volumes and materials. This project embodies GOA's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity, illustrating how courtyard spaces, layered volumes, and refined material choices can coalesce into a harmonious architectural experience.
