Oppenheim Architecture Crafts Desert Rock Resort Carved in Saudi Peaks

Tucked within Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz mountains, the Desert Rock Resort is a new eco-tourism development crafted by the Global Oppenheim Architecture practice, which worked closely with the Saudi developer Red Sea Global (RSG) as part of the Kingdom’s Red Sea Project. In homage to the ancient Nabataean civilization, the architecture of the resort sinks into its rugged surrounding, almost camouflaged, nurturing a timeless appreciation for nature. 

Now open to visitors, each cluster of Desert Rock is carefully plugged in, sprawling across 30,000 square metres, with its masses scattered throughout the cloaked valley and nestling among the surrounding rocky outcrops. Its geometric forms and sharp edges evoke the spirit of 1990s sci-fi movies, while its flowing pools and curved landscape create a striking counterbalance of tranquility.

Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by a secret valley, cradled between towering peaks. Majestic and awe-inspiring, the mountains seem to grow on you. As time passes, you start to take notice of gleaming glimmers snuggled within, scattered across every angle. Those hidden pockets are the dwellings carved into the rising topography.

Featuring a total of 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms, with some perched high above, and others nestled on the ground, Desert Rock’s accommodations offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The Cliff-Hanging Villas, with recessed windows and elevated private pools, evoke the feeling of being in a secluded cavern, offering a unique and private escape.

In a more intimate corner, the Mountain Cave Suites and Mountain Crevice Villas carve out serene spaces, with pools perched on the edge of the stone-crowned plateau, offering dramatic dips and a sense of tranquility amidst the rugged terrain.

Guided by an eco-centric philosophy, the architects repurposed excavated materials into the project’s infrastructure, reducing its environmental impact. Native plants were integrated sweeping through the arid landscape creating a greener, more sustainable environment with minimal water usage. Meanwhile passive cooling techniques were also employed to lower the resort's overall energy consumption of the resort.

Photography Credit: Red Sea Global and Oppenheim Architecture