Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates Area: 17,000 m² Year: 2024 Photography: Nicola Maniero Construction: Blumer-Lehmann AG Design Team: Nicola Maniero, Derin Kinacigil, Juan Franco, Hannah Appelgren, Tania Utomo, Ludovica Cirillo, Aris Kafantaris, Paolo Danesi, Tran Huy Vu Nguyen, Carmen Kong Accumulation: Mott McDonald Cooperation: AKT II Facility Consultants: Hilson Moran Lighting Consultants: Hilson Moran Country: Saudi Arabia
The Ummahat AlShaykh island project by Kengo Kuma & Associates, set in the Red Sea, exemplifies architectural fusion with its natural environment. This detailed description highlights the team’s commitment to sustainability and environmental sensitivity, using site-specific designs that echo the surrounding dunes and coral formations. Materials such as spruce wood and clay plaster are meticulously selected to enhance durability and blend with the landscape, ensuring that the structures not only respect but enhance their setting.
The design for the Ummahat AlShaykh island project by Kengo Kuma & Associates was strategically crafted to integrate seamlessly with the unique environmental characteristics of the Red Sea site. The approach was to construct low, horizontal Land Villas featuring gently curved roofs that echo the natural sand dunes. This thoughtful design promotes guest privacy while harmonizing with the island’s topography, minimizing sand infill and preserving its natural contours.
The buildings’ layout follows the shoreline’s natural profile and geometry, incorporating curved, organic shapes that blend with the desert landscape. The offshore sea villas are inspired by the island’s rich coral life, featuring a spiral structure that rises elegantly from the sea, providing expansive views of the ocean. All architectural elements, including hotel facilities, adopt a coral and dune-shaped plan, illustrating the architects’ commitment to blending the architecture with its environment.
In terms of materials, the focus was on minimizing concrete use, opting for prefabrication systems primarily using wood and clay plaster to bring warmth and a sense of gentleness to the architecture. Spruce wood, chosen for its durability in saline conditions, complements the clay plaster, which mimics the sand dunes’ patterns and natural weathering processes, further connecting the buildings to their surroundings.
The roofing employs natural cedar wood shingles, selected for their beauty and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The overall design philosophy of the project centers on a holistic approach, seamlessly integrating with the natural setting while prioritizing sustainability and durability.
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
Architect
Anton Giuroiu
Anton is a RIBA accredited architect, when he's offline, he spends his time with the sculpta.ba architecture practice or in the MKR.S crafting studio, laser engraving and laser cutting architecture models. In his free time he geeks over taking care of his pencil and mechanical pencil collection.
Expertises: Architecture, Interior design, Home improvement, Drawing, Laser machining
