FR Partnership Revamps New Cairo Home with Minimalist Design

When the owners of a house in New Cairo approached Egyptian architects Ahmad Fayyad and Malak Rashad, the Co-Founders of FR Partnership, for a redesign, they presented him with a challenge steeped in nostalgia and potential. The house, an archetype of Mediterranean revival architecture popularised in Egypt’s gated compounds of the 1980s and 90s, was brimming with ornamentation and rooted in a bygone era’s aesthetic values. Yet, rather than rejecting its past, the architects embraced it, reimagining the property with a minimalist touch that honoured its essence while propelling it into a contemporary narrative.

FR Partnership’s approach to design has always been nuanced and deliberate. “I’ve been practicing minimal architecture since 2003, focusing only on projects I enjoy working on,” he tells SceneHome. This ethos has shaped the studio’s portfolio, prioritising quality over quantity and allowing his work to speak a quiet but profound language. With this project, they were tasked not only with transforming a house but also with reshaping perceptions.

The original house epitomised an evolution in Egyptian residential architecture - an intersection between classical influences and the decorative flair of Art Nouveau. This style became the cornerstone of compounds, which, for many Egyptians, symbolised the pinnacle of modern living. However, Fayyad reflects on how the era of retro-modern architecture, often dismissed, never received the appreciation it deserved.

“The 90s were a turning point,” Fayyad notes. “This was the architecture being sold to anyone who could afford it, a dream shaped by past generations’ aspirations.” But as trends shifted and gated communities began to lose their allure for some, Fayyad found himself questioning the broader implications of architecture devoid of public life and infrastructure. Moving back to Heliopolis after years in New Cairo gave the architects a fresh perspective - one that informed his approach to architecture.

Revamping a Mediterranean-style home into a modernist abode required both restraint and creativity. “The compound restricted structural changes, so we had to innovate with light interventions,” Fayyad explains. Ornamentation was stripped away, making room for clean lines and decluttered forms. A recessed entrance was introduced, creating a shaded, welcoming threshold that lent a sense of intimacy to the otherwise imposing facade. 

The architects added a pergola and overhanging shed, grouping the house into a unified architectural form. Clad in teak wood and painted in a calming pearl white, these elements echoed their deep appreciation for Japanese design principles, where simplicity meets functionality. “The alignment of masses, solids, and voids is central to my work,” he shares.

Material became storytellers in their own right: Terriesta Grey marble, aluminum profiles from Greece, and teak wood in varying shades combined to create a palette that balanced warmth and sophistication.

For Fayyad, the project represented an opportunity to challenge expectations and embrace limitations. “Transforming an existing house is far more demanding than building from scratch,” he admits. “You’re navigating restrictions, working within an established framework, and convincing homeowners to see value in a pared-back approach.”

The result is a home that feels timeless and contemporary, rooted in its history yet redefined for modern living. Fayyad’s work stands as a testament to the power of minimalism - not as a trend but as a philosophy of design that values subtlety, context, and clarity.

“This project was about more than architecture,” he concludes. “It was about changing mindsets, showing that simplicity can be as rich and inviting as the most intricate of designs.” In the end, this redesign was a story of transformation, one that resonates deeply with the aspirations of generations to come. It marked one of the earliest applications of minimalism, challenging the prevailing architectural norms of heavily ornamented designs and paved the way for minimalism to become a dominant style. 

Photography Credit: FR Partnership & Nour El Refai