Kengo Kuma & Associates have announced the completion of the Ummahat 9-3 Hotel, Café, and Restaurant project on the Ummahat AlShaykh islands in Saudi Arabia, a new hospitality concept situated in the Red Sea. The design approach for project, according to the architects, was deeply rooted in the site’s unique characteristics, fostering a philosophy of seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Despite the challenges presented by the delicate environment, their site-specific approach guided them in crafting low, horizontally oriented Land Villas with gently curved roofs, mirroring the natural sand dunes. This design not only ensures guest privacy but also harmonizes with the island’s topography, minimizing sand infill and preserving its natural shape.
The Ummahat AlShaykh Island project is made up of 22 islands located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. The ambitious masterplan zone is surrounded by yet more islands, miles of sweeping desert and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The developer of the project – Red Sea Global (formerly TRSDC) – tasked Kengo Kuma with the design of luxury tourist villas and other buildings on one of the project’s islands. Beyond its architectural and environmental achievements, the project holds broader significance within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. As part of the Saudi government’s ambitious plan to diversify the country’s economy, the project represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and tourism.
The arrangement of buildings on the land follows the natural profile and geometry of the shoreline, incorporating curved organic shapes to blend harmoniously with the desert landscape. Inspired by the rich coral life within the island’s oceans, the design for the offshore sea villas features a spiral volume emerging gracefully from the sea, offering unobstructed views of the ocean landscape. All structures, including hotel facilities, embrace a coral and dune-shaped plan, reflecting their commitment to integrating architecture with its environment. The design ethos embodies a holistic approach to architecture, seamlessly merging with the environment while prioritizing sustainability and durability.
According to the architects, shade and ventilation were of vital importance in a climate like the one in Ummahat. Kuma and his team therefore created roofing that features large cantilevering in all of the dwellings, maximizing the shade area over the entire day. Taking a proactive approach to environmental conservation, the architects have designed buildings that can be disassembled and removed without causing significant damage to the environment. Prefabrication played a pivotal role in achieving this goal, allowing for minimal disruption to the island’s delicate ecosystem.
In terms of material selection, the architects aimed to minimize the use of concrete and instead employed prefabrication systems, primarily incorporating wood and clay plaster to infuse warmth and tenderness into the architecture. Spruce wood, selected for its durability in the highly saline environment, complements clay plaster, which reflects the patterns of sand dunes and natural weathering processes, thereby emphasizing the buildings’ connection to nature. Further, the roofs are clad with natural cedar wood shingles, renowned for their natural beauty and resilience against harsh weather conditions.
Kuma and his team have successfully implemented a unique site-specific architecture that integrates sustainable materials and construction methods. Overall, the Ummahat 9-3 Hotel, Café and Restaurant is a pioneering example of how luxury resorts can embody sustainability without compromising on elegance and guest experience. By prioritizing materials that reflect the local ecology and employing construction techniques that reduce environmental impact, Kengo Kuma & Associates have set a new standard in sustainable luxury resorts architecture. This architectural marvel is truly a testament to the firm’s commitment to harmonizing with the environment while pushing the boundaries of design excellence.
