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Desert Resort

A contemporary addition to a stunning architectural landmark in Saudi Arabia

Architecture

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Area: 34 550m2

Originally designed by Frei Otto in the 1980s, this palace sits in an extraordinary location – a combination of arid plateau and lush colourful oasis in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, overlooking Wadi Hanifah.

Our response to this invited competition creates a new destination resort, with a hotel which inhabits the edges of the plateau, and establishes a respectful architectural distance from the existing palace whilst paying homage to it through reference to traditional elements - the garden, the fortress, the tent.

En cours...

Given the inspirational setting, we paid particular attention to landscaping. A grid of tall palm trees creates a new linear oasis. Within this palm grove, plazas provide a place to meet and gather amid water features and distant views.

The design of a unique guest experience combines social interaction with the comforts of private space. Guests are led into a series of beautifully designed spaces which offer a variety of social and spatial experiences with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Guest rooms have been designed as clusters along a circular promenade, with access to individual outdoor gardens. Suites are accessed via a private patio, and have been designed with generous proportions, a fluid open space and private outdoor amenities.

We have created a strong axis out to the new built elements, with a visual link both to the historical watch tower and to the horizon beyond, and a new plaza around which most amenities are organised. Along the internal alleys and mews, new buildings are conceived as inhabited walls with dappled light creating a considered balance between the privacy of rooms and public spaces.

The new spa is a relaxed private haven with access to women’s swimming pool, and sits at the heart of the new resort, with views of the majestic palace on one side and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape on the other.

Cafes & restaurants are located to maximise views of the pool and the changing light at different times of the day.

The existing pathway which runs along the edge of the plateau is incorporated in the project to provide a loop promenade around the estate and connect to the new circulation network.

Proportions and materiality are inspired by the existing building and the nature of the site. Natural stone is combined with tapered white ceramic extrusions to create a delicate, responsive façade designed to filter light according to its particular location.