THE St. REGIS RED SEA RESORT

Project: Resort

Location: Saudi Arabia Ummahat Island

Geographic coordinate:  25°32'44.8"N 36°44'43.7"E

Year: 2019-2023

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Studio: Kengo Kuma & Associates

Role: Architect-Designer

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ABSTRACT

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The design for the Ummahat AlShaykh island project in the Red Sea responds directly to the site’s natural conditions, with a focus on integrating architecture into the landscape. Land Villas are low and horizontally oriented, featuring gently curved roofs that echo the surrounding sand dunes. This configuration preserves guest privacy while respecting the island’s topography, reducing the need for sand infill. Building placement follows the shoreline’s natural geometry, incorporating organic forms that blend with the desert environment. Offshore sea villas draw inspiration from local coral formations, with spiral volumes rising from the sea to frame uninterrupted ocean views. All structures adopt coral- and dune-shaped plans, reinforcing a consistent dialogue between built form and nature.

Material selection prioritized prefabrication systems to reduce concrete usage. Wood and clay plaster introduce warmth and texture while responding to environmental conditions. Spruce was chosen for its durability in saline air, and clay plaster reflects the patterns of wind and erosion found in the dunes. Roofs are finished with natural cedar shingles, valued for their weathering resistance and aesthetic quality. The resulting architecture aligns with the island’s ecology, emphasizing long-term sustainability and site-specific expression.

DRAWING GALLERY

EXTERIORS