In the field of innovative architecture, few projects rival Ummahat AlShaykh Island in terms of ambition and environmentally friendly design. Led by architect Kengo Kuma and his team, this project is a triumph of sustainability and luxury tourism in the heart of the Red Sea.
The Ummahat AlShaykh Island project is made up of 22 islands located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia and its design philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for the environment. The ambitious masterplan area is surrounded by even more islands, miles of vast deserts and spectacular volcanic landscapes, and developer Red Sea Global (formerly TRSDC) has commissioned Kengo Kuma to design luxury tourist villas and other buildings on one of the project islands.
Kuma and his team opted for a site-specific approach, creating low, horizontally oriented “land villas” with gently curved roofs that mimic the natural contours of the surrounding sand dunes. The design of the villas not only ensures privacy for guests, but also minimizes sand filling, with the aim of preserving the shape of the island. Additionally, taking inspiration from coral ecosystems, the offshore maritime villas feature a helical structure that emerges from the sea, providing guests with stunning views of the water.
![Helical structures emerge from the sea, giving guests stunning views of the water](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/d7e01fe/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5272x2962+0+0/resize/1440x809!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9c%2Fc0%2F5a6651884304aff56a75dfa98ba2%2Fthumbnail-image-image-1.jpg)
Kengo Kuma and Associates
“Our design approach for the Ummahat AlShaykh Island project was deeply rooted in the unique characteristics of the site, fostering a philosophy of seamless integration with the surrounding landscape,” explains Kengo Kuma and Associates. “Despite the challenges presented by the delicate environment, our site-specific approach guided us in creating (the Land Villas).”
To construct the complex, Kuma opted to use sustainable alternatives to traditional materials and construction methods. Prefabrication systems, primarily using spruce wood and clay plaster, were adopted to minimize the use of concrete and reduce the environmental footprint of the project. The roofs are covered with natural cedar wood shingles, specially chosen for their resistance to bad weather and salt water.
![Villa designs ensuring guest privacy and minimal sand filling to preserve the shape of the island](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/8de4e51/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5272x2962+0+0/resize/1440x809!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbe%2F87%2F595a978647c2bb89ecdf63e92fdd%2Fimage-7.jpg)
Kengo Kuma and Associates
In a climate like Ummahat's, shade and ventilation are also vitally important. The architects therefore created a roof with large overhangs in all the homes, thus maximizing the shaded area throughout the day.
Additionally, Kuma and his team have taken a proactive approach to environmental conservation by designing buildings that can be dismantled and removed without causing significant damage to the environment. Prefabrication played a central role in achieving this goal, ensuring minimal disruption to the island’s delicate ecosystem.
As part of the Ummahat 9-3 project, Kuma and his company also designed two specialty restaurants, one on land and one on water; a community building; spa; reception pavilion; villas with housekeeping; and a pier for guests.
![Villa designs ensuring guest privacy and minimal sand filling to preserve the shape of the island](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/08b4aa1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5272x2962+0+0/resize/1440x809!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fda%2Fcc%2F4cbf20c74997b308694aa800985f%2Fimage-12.jpg)
Kengo Kuma and Associates
Beyond its architectural and environmental achievements, the Ummahat AlShaykh Island project has broader significance in the context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. As part of this ambitious plan to diversify the country's economy, the project represents a cutting-edge approach to sustainable development and tourism.
Source: KKAAA