kengo kuma turns wood and clay into offshore red sea villas in saudi arabia

Ummahat AlShaykh island project by kengo kuma

Kengo Kuma completes the Ummahat AlShaykh island project in Saudi Arabia, a new hospitality concept emerging from the Red Sea and one that is deeply rooted in the site’s characteristics. Despite challenges presented by the delicate environment, the site-specific approach guided the team in crafting low, horizontally oriented Land Villas with gently curved roofs mirroring the natural dunes. This design not only ensures guest privacy but also follows along with the island topography, minimizing sand infill and preserving its natural shape. Complementing the land, villas are coral-shaped, floating units that are interconnected like living organisms. 

all images © Nicola Maniero

echoing the coastal profile and coral life of the red sea

On land, Kengo Kuma and his team arranged the buildings for Ummahat AlShaykh so as to follow the natural profile and geometry of the shoreline, incorporating curved organic shapes to blend 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 a clear architectural integration with the coastal context.

top view of Ummahat AlShaykh island project

In terms of material selection, the practice minimizes the use of concrete and instead employs 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. The roofs are clad with natural cedar wood shingles, renowned for their natural beauty and resilience against harsh weather conditions. 

coral-inspired offshore villas

using wood and clay plaster to shape the units

Land Villas with gently curved roofs

Kengo Kuma rooted the project in its context

roofs are clad with natural cedar wood shingles

evening view

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project info:

name: Ummahat Alshaykh 

location: Saudi Arabia 

architect: Kengo Kuma and Associates | @kkaa_official

team: Nicola Maniero, Derin Kinacigil, Juan Franco, Hannah Appelgren, Tania Utomo,
Ludovica Cirillo, Aris Kafantaris, Paolo Danesi, Tran Huy Vu Nguyen, Carmen Kong
construction: Blumer-Lehmann AG
cooperation: AKT 2
facility and lighting: Hilson Moran
accumulation: Mott Mcdonald
exterior: AECOM
photographer: Nicola Maniero | @nimanier

total area: 17,000 sqm