A new resort has broken ground in Saudi Arabia with the goal of redefining the concept of sustainable architecture. Dubbed Desert Rock, the project is the first inland resort of The Red Sea Project, a destination comprising 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, and 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The resort will not be built on a mountainside but will instead be carved directly into the ancient rock itself. The materials removed to carve into the site will then be reused to create the resort’s infrastructure.
The ground stone and existing sand will be used for concrete aggregate, which will be the main building material for all the architecture. Using the excavated material to build the project will ensure that it will have the same integral colors as the surrounding landscape, further immersing the architecture in its setting. Water retention and distribution systems will be used throughout the site, with harvested rainwater used to create a more green, flourishing wadi.
Desert Rock will feature 48 luxury villas and 12 hotel rooms that all offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert. A range of accommodation will be available, from ground level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain. A select number of excavated rooms will be located within the rock massif itself.
Resort amenities will include a spa and fitness center, remote destination dining areas, and a feature lagoon oasis. Guests will be able to hike, use dune buggies, and star gaze as part of the site-wide activities program.
Oppenheim Architecture designed the project. The Red Sea Development Company is the developer. Desert Rock is slated to welcome its first guests by the end of 2022.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021
Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]
New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 18, 2021
Adaptive reuse for hospitality, with Frank Cretella of Landmark Developers
In an exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Landmark Developers' President Frank Cretella talks about the firm's adaptive reuse projects for the hospitality sector. Cretella outlines his company's keys to success in hospitality development, including finding unique properties and creating memorable spaces.
Mixed-Use | Jun 17, 2021
London’s former Old War Office building set to become hotel and residences
The building had been closed to the public for over a century.
Hotel Facilities | May 26, 2021
Loisium Wine and Spa Resort expansion opens in Langenlois, Austria
Steven Holl Architects designed both the expansion and the original resort with associate architects Sam-Ott-Reinisch.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Hotel Facilities | May 5, 2021
AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise completes
Stantec designed the project.
Market Data | Apr 30, 2021
New York City market continues to lead the U.S. Construction Pipeline
New York City has the greatest number of projects under construction with 110 projects/19,457 rooms.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2021
U.S. Hotel Construction pipeline beings 2021 with 4,967 projects/622,218 rooms at Q1 close
Although hotel development may still be tepid in Q1, continued government support and the extension of programs has aided many businesses to get back on their feet as more and more are working to re-staff and re-open.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 21, 2021
First newly constructed Signia by Hilton Hotel to be built in Atlanta
Signia by Hilton is a new upscale brand from Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.