Ummahat 9-3 Hotel: Eco-Soaked Island on Saudi Arabia's Western Red Sea

Floating gracefully on the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s western coast is the Ummahat AlShaykh Island project, a serene island retreat that features a tranquil hotel, café, and restaurant. Designed by Japan-based architects Kengo Kuma & Associates, the project draws inspiration from its sensual surroundings, blending rich materials and smooth forms to fit harmoniously within its context. 

Despite the island's delicate environment and its challenges, a site-specific and eco-conscious approach guided the architects in sculpting low, horizontally oriented Land Villas with gently curved roofs that mirror the natural sand dunes. This design harmonises with the island’s topography, making the architecture non-invasive and resulting in minimal sand infiltration, thus preserving the natural shape of the landscape. 

Drawn from the rich coral life within the island's sea, the design for the offshore sea villas echoes a spiral volume emerging gently from the water, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Structures are designed to reflect the natural profile and geometry of the shoreline, integrating curved organic shapes that merge harmoniously with the desert landscape. All units, including hotel facilities, embrace a coral and dune-shaped plan, showcase the designers’ commitment to integrating architecture with its environment. 

With their clear ecological objective in mind, the architects consciously opted to minimise the use of concrete. They employed prefabrication systems, primarily incorporating Spruce wood due to its durability in highly saline environments. This choice is complemented by the use of clay plaster, which reflects the patterns of sand dunes and natural weathering processes. The combination of wood and clay plaster imbues the architecture with warmth and tenderness, emphasising the buildings' connection to nature. 

Cedar wood shingles were chosen to clad the roofs, celebrated for their natural beauty and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. They embody the designers' ethos of a holistic approach to architecture, merging with the environment while emphasising sustainability and durability. Moreover, their remarkable texture and pattern enhance the design, enriching the overall aesthetic. 

Inside, guests are enveloped in a tranquil and refined atmosphere featuring a minimalist interior, complemented by soft lighting and subtle traditional craftsmanship, promoting a profound sense of serenity. Each room offers a sanctuary with plush bedding and sweeping city views, inviting guests to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and reconnect with their essence. Designed to nurture the senses, the villas, restaurants, and cafes create a multisensory experience wrapped in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and immersed in a symphony of flavours from diverse culinary traditions. 

Photography Credit: Nicola Maniero