Dubai Exiles Rugby Clubhouse

The brief from the client aspired for a clubhouse that would reflect the over 50 year old history of the rugby club. The clubhouse was designed to give it a vintage industrial feel. The dark high ceiling, exposed structure, painted brick walls and concrete floor aide in giving the space a barn like aesthetic.

A central lounge with a steel cage over it becomes the focal point of the clubhouse with different seating groups arranged around it. Trophies, memorabilia and club merchandise are displayed in  cages and in antique-finish frames at different locations inside the clubhouse.

Large folding doors and sectional doors open up to make the space merge with the terraces outside overlooking the playing fields. The floor plan makes it possible for the club to organize game screenings for larger groups of guests during important sporting events.

Memorabilia and merchandise
The history of the club is displayed across the clubhouse in the form of memorabilia and merchandise. The design of the display and positioning was done in a way that it blends into the overall design language while still garnering the required attention from visitors.
A short corridor was designed like a museum gallery where visitors could experience the club’s heritage through old images, honour boards and the club’s first jersey.

Materials and finishes
A palette depicting strength with materials like steel, concrete and wood form the core of the design. Finishes were chosen to give a rugged feel to the space and elements like extruded steel mesh, exposed AC ducts, sectional/garage doors, wood planks and industrial bulkheads for lighting add character to the industrial aesthetic.