a desert retreat in Saudi Arabia
Within the coronary heart of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, structure and design studio AW² has realized an all-villa resort that invitations vacationers to expertise the great thing about an untouched web site inside Ashar Valley. Taking form as tented constructions, ‘Banyan Tree AlUla’ is gently inserted into its pure setting and creates a profound connection between pure and synthetic. Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, companions on the Paris-based studio, sought to create a hospitality vacation spot amid the traditional heritage websites, camouflaged in its desertscape. Impressed by its cultural inheritance and the rock formations which are set as a backdrop, the ultimate composition presents itself as multi-scaled suites shielded by sand-colored canvas scattered throughout the area.
‘Our structure responds to the fragility of the Ashar web site and goals not solely to revive but additionally to guard it from future hurt by consciously addressing the stability of Man and Nature,’ commented the duo. ‘Our idea entails harnessing the pure fantastic thing about the panorama with a undertaking that seamlessly integrates into the positioning, a design that’s tailored and adaptable to the cultural, historic and pure specificities of Ashar.’
all pictures ©AW2
incorporating authenticity & custom into lodging
For this undertaking, the design staff aimed to create structure that blends seamlessly into its distinctive pure surroundings. With an environmentally delicate method that retains the footprint to a minimal, the architects opted for native assets, know-how, and minerals to finish the undertaking. Domestically-sourced earth brick was chosen as the primary building materials, which together with the sand-colored canvas, fades out over the desertscape.
Taking its cue from the standard Bedouin tents, ‘Banyan Tree AlUla’ provides an intimate surroundings that frames spectacular vistas, all of the whereas incorporating tradition and custom into hospitality.
In ‘Banyan Tree AlUla’ authenticity and historical past meet luxurious and luxury. The resort options 47 tented suites ranging in dimension from one to 3 bedrooms, unfold over the desert dunes. It additionally accommodates two gourmand eating places, in addition to a luxurious spa and a signature swimming pool that nestles between the pure crevices within the rocks. To adapt to the desert warmth, the constructions make use of numerous canvases, thus creating pure air flow between the roof and the tent, in addition to offering solar safety.
the resort is situated 15km from the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Hegra
The colours of the desert are echoed within the coloration palette used all through the design. Terracotta coatings have been fastidiously chosen all through the undertaking for a easy harmonization with its surrounding. Due to the huge dimension of the positioning, the structure was dealt with as a panorama. Paths and walkways have been designed as trails within the sand, inviting guests to wander round, discover and get nearer to nature. To additional deliver the visitor in reference to the pure magnificence, the areas are designed to create an indoor-outdoor really feel, whereas additionally the terraces lengthen from the inside areas with the canvas tent protecting above. The general plan is targeted on the visitor’s expertise and well-being, with out compromising their privateness and security.
On the subject of the inside, the design attracts affect from the Nabataean nomadic Arab tribes and their conventional motifs, resembling the wealthy cultural heritage of Ashar. Because the architects talked about, ‘the areas replicate a contemporary and stylish fashion combing a wealthy native expertise with the very best worldwide luxurious requirements in hospitality design.’ Native vegetation was planted into the panorama of the retreat. By way of water harvesting strategies, the architects information the rainwater towards the gardens to help plants on the positioning. The gardens additionally function flood safety throughout months of excessive rainfall.
supporting the nation’s long-term touristic, cultural, and financial targets for the area
