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Jasper Architects wins design competition for hotel in Kuwait

Hotel Facilities

Jasper Architects wins design competition for hotel in Kuwait

The project is inspired by Kuwait’s desert landscape.


By David Malone, Managing Editor | August 11, 2021
Kuwait Hotel exterior
Images courtesy Jasper Architects

Jasper Architects recently announced it has won an international design competition for a hotel located in Kuwait.

Kuwait is a country comprised of 4.2 million people and is largely a desert. The concept proposes to create a 213,835-sf structure that will act as an oasis in the desert landscape. The hotel design is inspired by elements of the natural surrounding landscape and the textures, shapes, colors, and soft curvilinear geometries of the dunes.

Kuwait Hotel aerial

A circular roof folds down in a radial array, following the undulations of the desert dunes and creating spaces for private suites varying between 5,963 sf and 6,458 sf. Perforations in the roof allow for direct visible connections from the inside to the desert sky above. In the center of the hotel are common areas that create a comfortable environment where collective gathering can occur.

Each private suite has a unique view that will provide guests a direct connection with the desert. The roof’s touchpoint between each suite create access to the roof through molded stairs. The roof space acts as another place for guests to experience Kuwait’s desert landscape. Additional amenities include a spa salon, a private swimming pool, and common living spaces.

Kuwait hotel pool and gathering space

The building itself is planned to be executed with pigmented shotcrete paired with pigmented readymade concrete elements. Wood and rammed earth elements are planned to be integrated into the interior.

The hotel is slated for completion at some point in 2024.

Kuwait Hotel aerial

Kuwait Hotel roof space

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