The Together Home
By Hesham Younis & Samantha Tate
Omar, with his Bando moves silhouetted against the evening sky, stood in the courtyard that opened into the expansive garden. The rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of his children were the only sounds accompanying his rhythmic movements. His form was still visible from the large windows of the family living space, a subtle reminder of the house's seamless blend of openness and seclusion.
Inside, the house hummed with life, echoing the harmony of a well-loved home. the mother, enveloped in the warmth of the family kitchenette, prepared their favorite snack. She glanced occasionally toward the living space, where her kids were immersed in a world of their own in the dedicated play corner. The minimal design and natural light that bathed the space accentuated the feeling of a larger-than-life playground.
Meanwhile, the oldest son was in the heart of the house – the first floor corridor leading to his bedroom. From his spot, he could take in the hustle of the household below and his father's practice session in the courtyard, all while still lost in his favorite book from his father's collection.
The younger daughter was in the spacious study room on the first floor. From her vantage point, she could catch sight of her father outside, her mother in the kitchen, and her siblings playing sounds, all without moving from her drawing board.
Their fortress-like home, as sturdy as it was welcoming, echoed their daily routines in a symphony of familial connection. All areas, both large and small, played a significant role in maintaining this balance.
As twilight descended, the family gathered in the large living space. It was a ritual - a coming together after a day filled with their own activities. The echoes of the day gradually replaced by shared stories and laughter. And as night fell, the flickering glow from the courtyard's BBQ area added an extra layer of warmth to their home.
Like a carefully woven tapestry, each thread of their day was interlaced with another, brought together by the unique design of their home. Each action, each moment, held a clear view of another, reinforcing the ever-present sense of connection in their fortress of love.