Red Sea Development unveils plans for Oppenheim-designed desert mountain resort
by Megan Whitby | 01 Oct 2021
– Chad Oppenheim
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the ambitious regenerative tourism project The Red Sea Project (TRSP) in Western Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for the destination’s new mountain resort named Desert Rock.
Created by architectural design firm Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is being designed to protect and preserve the environment and will allow guests to connect with the nature and local culture of the region.
The 60-key resort will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class spa and fitness centre, remote destination dining areas as well as a feature lagoon oasis.
“We wanted to create a destination that allows guests to experience Saudi Arabia’s untouched beauty,” explained John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
Guests will enter the resort through a hidden valley nestled between the mountains.
From there, they’ll find 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms within the mountain, located amongst the vista, with architecture fully integrated into the rock to preserve its striking silhouette.
A range of accommodation will be available, from ground level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain, and a select number of excavated rooms within the rock massif itself.
To provide undisrupted views across the landscape, most roads leading into the resort will be pushed to the edge of the main wadi and hidden behind landscape mounds. This will also minimise sound and light pollution, allowing guests to fully absorb the dramatic desert landscape.
Guests will be able to hike, use dune buggies, and stargaze as part of the site-wide activities program.
The project also aims to maintain the ancient history of the site by hiring members of the local community to act as stewards of the land and provide educational tours for visitors about the local history of the area.
As part of TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism, Desert Rock will be designed to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification level.
The architecture has been designed to reduce energy consumption and regenerate native flora. Water retention and distribution systems will be used throughout the site, with harvested rainwater used to create a more green, flourishing Wadi.
Alongside this, materials excavated from the site will be used to create the infrastructure.
Stone will be used for interior and exterior walls and floors, while ground stone and existing sand will be used for concrete aggregate, which is the main building material for all the architecture.
Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, said: “Desert Rock is one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world, which is why we wanted to use the architecture as a way to honour and respect it.
“By utilising natural materials and integrating the resort into the rock, guests can connect physically with the destination and experience Saudi Arabia’s stunning, natural beauty.”
Site preparation works have commenced, and construction began in July 2021.
TRSP has already passed significant milestones on the destination and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022, when the first hotels will open.
Phase one, which includes 16 hotels – including Desert Rock – in total, will complete by 2023.
Upon completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, leisure facilities and an international airport.
The Red Sea Project The Red Sea Development Company Saudi Arabia Chad Oppenheim Oppenheim Architecture
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
Credit: The Red Sea Project
16 Aug 2021
Accor to bolster luxury footprint in Saudi Arabia with new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khoba
12 Jul 2021
Saudi Arabia offers US$133m in loans to create 50 new attractions
23 Mar 2021
Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers
08 Mar 2021
New design details for 92-island luxury megaproject on Saudi Arabian coast
09 Mar 2020
Oppenheim Architecture's Bahamas eco-resort will bring guests closer to nature
01 Aug 2019
WATG and Buro Happold's Red Sea Project will be 28,000sq km destination with 14 hotels
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the ambitious regenerative tourism project The Red Sea Project (TRSP) in Western Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for the destination’s new mountain resort named Desert Rock. Created by architectural design firm Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is being designed to protect and preserve the environment and will allow guests to connect with the nature and local culture of the region. The 60-key
CLD,SAB,ARC,PHR
More news
Property developer, Arada, announces third mega Wellfit health club in UAE
by Tom Walker | 05 Jun 2023
Wellfit, UAE-based operator of vast health and fitness, sport and wellness clubs, has announced plans to open its third full-service, large-scale hub in the Emirates. Wellfit Madar will be located in Sharjah within the new Madar family entertainment district, which is part of the Aljada mega project. The entire project is being brought to fruition by property development company Arada which founded the Wellfit brand in 2021 to operate health
Hadi Teherani-designed alpine nature spa opens at Hotel Krallerhof in Austria
by Megan Whitby | 02 Jun 2023
Austria’s five-star alpine wellness retreat Hotel Krallerhof has been updated with a new nature-centric glass-fronted spa, Atmosphere by Krallerhof. Embedded in the slopes of the Asitz mountain, the five-star Salzburger hotel’s new adults-only wellness facility opened following a two-year project helmed by Iranian-German architect Hadi Teherani. Hotel owners the Altenberger family tasked Teherani and his team with creating a spa facility – in addition to its existing Refugium spa –
Architizer celebrates best of spa and wellness architecture at 11th Annual A+Awards
by Megan Whitby | 01 Jun 2023
Global online architecture platform Architizer has spotlighted innovative spa and wellness architecture concepts around the world as part of its 11th Annual Architizer A+Awards. Founded on the premise of democratising architecture, the annual A+Awards honour the best buildings and spaces from across the globe. The 2023 awards were split into 119 categories including a Spa and Wellness subsection which awards the best overall architecture dedicated to psychological and physical wellbeing.
“We finally have a space worthy of our collection”: V&A launches huge new Photography Centre
by Magali Robathan | 24 May 2023
London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has launched the final phase of its huge new photography centre, making it the largest space in the UK housing a permanent photography collection. The V&A Photography Centre features seven galleries, showcasing 600 pieces from the V&A’s vast, 200-year-old photography collection. The first phase of the project launched in 2018, with three galleries designed by architects David Kohn. The final phase sees the addition of
Immersive storytelling museum takes pride of place at revamped Tiffany & Co. in NYC following redesign led by Peter Marino and OMA
by Tom Walker | 23 May 2023
Luxury jewellery and design house Tiffany & Co. has reopened its flagship store on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City, following a redesign led by architect Peter Marino and OMA New York. The project marks the first renovation of the store since it first opened its doors in 1940 and has been named The Landmark. For the redevelopment, Marino reimagined the interior architecture while OMA New York,
Elegant Dior spa inspired by nature opens at Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes
by Megan Whitby | 28 Apr 2023
Dior has launched a brand new wellness retreat at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. A part of The Oetker Collection, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been a legend in the French Riviera for more than 150 years and has long been a refuge for stars and key figures worldwide. The hotel is set on nine hectares of lush grounds – rich with Aleppo pines, agapanthus, lavender, fragrant roses
Bjarke Ingels among finalists chosen in design competition for National Museum of the United States Navy
by Tom Walker | 27 Apr 2023
Five prominent architectural practices have revealed their designs for the planned new National Museum of the United States Navy. The five teams – Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Gehry Partners, DLR Group, Perkins&Will, and Quinn Evans – were finalists in an “artistic ideas competition” held by the US Navy and its historical and curatorial arm, the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). The quintet was chosen from 37 teams that submitted
De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture prepare to open Young V&A London
by Tom Walker | 24 Apr 2023
A museum dedicated to children will open its doors in London, UK, on 1 July 2023. The new £13m Young V&A is set to become the UK's leading cultural destination for children, families, and young people. Designed by De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture, the museum is the result of a three-year redevelopment of the iconic, Grade II*-listed V&A Museum of Childhood in London's Bethnal Green. Dedicated to children aged
ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel creates new Bulgari Tokyo
by Megan Whitby | 20 Apr 2023
Luxury hospitality brand Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has made its Japanese debut with a new urban hotel and spa in Tokyo's Yaesu district of Chūō. Like all other Bulgari hotels and resorts, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo's interior design was entrusted to the Italian architecture and interior design practice ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The firm's task was to translate Bulgari's core values of contemporary design, magnificent craftsmanship and artistic detail
Manchester City submits £300m Populous-designed plans to redevelop Etihad Stadium and add 400-bedroom hotel
by Tom Walker | 20 Apr 2023
English Premier league club, Manchester City, has submitted a planning application seeking to expand the capacity at its Etihad Stadium from 53,400 to 60,000. Designed by architects Populous, the project would expand the existing North Stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier. Above the upper tier, a sky bar with views overlooking the pitch will be introduced, together with a stadium roof walk experience. As
Woods Bagot completes $120m refurb of Continental Sorrento with subterranean bathhouse and spa
by Megan Whitby | 19 Apr 2023
Global architectural firm Woods Bagot has completed its comprehensive renewal of the Continental Sorrento in Victoria, Australia, with a luxury underground spa and bathing retreat. The hotel – known locally as the “Conti” – opened in 1875 and is based in Sorrento; a popular holiday destination thanks to its sheltered coastal access and the region’s naturally occurring geothermal mineral springs. The opening of the spa marks the final step in
New Dior spa carriage opens aboard Belmond’s luxury Royal Scotsman train
by Megan Whitby | 13 Apr 2023
Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland has announced a long-term partnership with Dior Beauty to create a new Dior spa carriage. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he famously hosted an acclaimed fashion show in 1955 – the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman features two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif. The wellness space has been designed to offer guests
Bjarke Ingels creates meandering eco distillery attraction for Blue Run Kentucky
by Tom Walker | 06 Apr 2023
Blue Run Spirits has released the first images of its planned distillery and visitor attraction in Georgetown, Kentucky, US. Blue Run, a company specialising in bourbon and rhye whiskies, launched in October 2020 and appointed Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) as the lead architect for the US$51m project. BIG's plans for the new headquarters include a 35,000sq ft distillery and a 20,000sq ft rickhouse. Called ‘Meander' the designs evoke the journey
bbspa_Group to realise urban destination spa inside Sardinian football stadium
by Megan Whitby | 24 Mar 2023
International spa and wellness consultancy bbspa_Group has been appointed by Italian football club Cagliari Calcio to create an urban destination spa inside the club’s upcoming new stadium. Cagliari Arena will open with a 4,000sq m spa rooted in Sardinian healing traditions, following an agreement between Cagliari Calcio, industrial holding company Costim, bbspa_Group and Snow Group (of which bbspa_Group is a shareholder). With a capacity of 25,000 seats, the stadium will
Thinkwell to deliver the world's first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia
by Tom Walker | 22 Mar 2023
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has revealed plans to develop and operate the world’s first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia. Thinkwell Group, the experience design and production agency, has been appointed to develop the attractions. Seven, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), said it will open Play-Doh sites at eight of its entertainment destinations across the country over the next 10 years. Seven has signed a
Jayasom partners with Amaala to unveil multigenerational health resort in Saudi Arabia
by Megan Whitby | 17 Mar 2023
Destination wellness resort operator Jayasom – a sister brand of Chiva Som – has revealed plans to deliver an integrative multigenerational health resort for Amaala – a vast mixed-use tourism destination in Saudi Arabia being developed by Red Sea Global (RSG). Billed as the first global integrated family wellness destination, Amaala is underpinned by the principles of sustainability and regenerative hospitality. The development will be powered entirely by renewable energy and
OMA's Ellen van Loon is the visionary behind new cultural centre for Manchester
by Tom Walker | 24 Feb 2023
A £186m cultural centre, set to transform the arts and music scene globally, will open its doors in June this year. Factory International, based in Manchester UK, but with a global outreach, is the largest investment in a national cultural project in the UK since the opening of London's Tate Modern in 2000. The centre will house 13,350sq m of flexible floor area, utilising supersized moveable walls that can be
James Corner Field Operations creates Highline for London
by Tom Walker | 24 Jan 2023
Planning approval has been granted for Camden Highline, a project to transform a section of disused railway into a new elevated urban park for London. Similar to the High Line in New York, US, the new green space will run for 1.2km, connecting Camden Town with the King’s Cross and St Pancras area – an important transport hub for the capital. The elevated public walkway is forecast to bring new
Esbjerg’s landmark maritime center, designed by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta, opens to the public
by Tom Walker | 20 Jan 2023
A new landmark maritime centre has opened to the public in Esbjerg, Denmark. Created by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta, the centre has been designed as a shared space for watersport clubs and visitors along the port, providing the town with a social maritime hub and architectural landmark. Dubbed "The Lantern", WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta were chosen for the project following a design competition in 2019. Designed as a "community first"
SEVEN to open world’s first indoor Discovery Adventures centres in Saudi Arabia
by Tom Walker | 19 Jan 2023
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring purpose-built indoor adventures centres to the Kingdom. The new Discovery Adventures centres will integrate Discovery’s media content and will be designed to enable young people to "be entertained and gain informed insights with educational value". SEVEN, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has a goal of transforming the entertainment
Fun and fear drive new Universal attraction concepts for Texas and Las Vegas
by Tom Walker | 13 Jan 2023
Universal Parks & Resorts has revealed plans to launch two entirely new visitor attractions concepts – a family-focused theme park and resort in Texas and a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas. Described as a "one-of-a-kind theme park, unlike any other in the world", the new Texas resort will feature immersive themed lands, family-friendly attractions, interactive shows and character 'meet and greets' utilising Universal’s IP. Designed as intimate and engaging for
Voelker Gray Design creates 10-acre hot springs wellness haven for Atlanta
by Megan Whitby | 10 Jan 2023
Treasured hot springs destinations from around the globe are serving as the inspiration for an ambitious new hot springs venue and spa project in Georgia, US. Debuting in Q3 of 2023, Passport Springs & Spa is being designed to transport guests to exotic hot springs locations including Costa Rica, Rome, Israel and Japan. The 10-acre Forsyth County venue will be divided into four pavilions inspired by each of the above
AIDarchitecten create healing spa for Antwerp's Botanic Sanctuary
by Megan Whitby | 03 Jan 2023
A 15th-century monastery and chapel in Antwerp, Belgium, has been transformed into a 108-room hotel and spa focused on community, healing and comfort. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp sits next to the city’s botanic garden and this leafy, natural setting has been central to defining the concept of the Botanic Health Spa which spans three floors. Designed to reflect a cloistral devotion to healing plants and herbs, the 10-treatment-room spa was brought
Hollaway Studio's Seahive would bring blue health to South-East England
by Megan Whitby | 26 Dec 2022
A planning application has been submitted for the creation of The Seahive, a surf wellness resort on the site of a former colliery spoil tip in Betteshanger Country Park, UK. Designed by architecture firm Hollaway Studio, the £40m (US$48.1m, €45.4m) flagship project near Deal in Kent would be integral to the wider country park. The overall masterplan for the 15-acre site features a Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon at its centre,
SEVEN to invest US$13bn in developing entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia
by Tom Walker | 21 Dec 2022
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is to invest SAR50bn (US$13.3bn) to develop 21 integrated entertainment destinations across 14 cities in Saudi Arabia. Developed in partnership with a range of international brands, the destinations are set to feature more than 150 "innovative attractions". SEVEN has so far signed deals with Warner Bros., Discovery, Clip ‘n Climb and toy giants Mattel (for its
World Spa’s expansive 50,000sq ft urban bathhouse and wellness club opens in Brooklyn
by Megan Whitby | 12 Dec 2022
New York’s bustling borough of Brooklyn has become home to a brand new 50,000sq ft (44,645sq m) day spa offering an array of global bathing practices. The newly-launched facility features one of the largest co-ed hydrothermal bathing areas in New York and offers bathing practices from across Europe, Russia, Turkey, Finland and Japan. BK Developers and RYBAK Development co-created the destination, working with Feng Shui consultants and Design for Leisure
Floating Salmon Eye visitor attraction by Kvorning Design highlights sustainable aquaculture
by Tom Walker | 08 Dec 2022
A new floating visitor center and art installation is showcasing aquaculture, informing the world on how to better feed the planet with sustainable seafood. Called Salmon Eye, the aquaculture centre is located in Norway’s Hardangerfjord, just outside the town of Rosendal. Created by Kvorning Design, the project was conceived and financed by Sondre Eide, the CEO of third-generation salmon farming business Eide Fjordbruk. A world-class visitor and learning center, Salmon
White Arkitekter's Wood Hotel in Skellefteå Swedish Lapland is climate positive and made from local timber
by Liz Terry | 03 Dec 2022
One of the world’s tallest hotels made almost exclusively from wood, has officially opened at the birthplace of cross-country skiing, Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland, with the property's rooftop Vana Spa giving spectacular views over the city. Designed by White Arkitekter and standing at 20 storeys, the Wood Hotel, which soft opened in 2021, is 75 metres high and made almost entirely from spruce and pine sourced from nearby forests. First
Nohlab's 'Everything' installation among Noor Riyadh festival highlights
by Tom Walker | 02 Dec 2022
An immersive audiovisual experience that "observes everything as it is" was a among the highlights of this year's Noor Riyadh festival in Saudi Arabia. Created by design studio Nohlabs, the installation – called Everything – is true to its name and questions everything in existence by suggesting new possibilities for them. Offering visitors the opportunity to observe the elements that construct their everyday lives, the experience ascribes new meanings to
Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling
by Tom Walker | 25 Nov 2022
Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger. Iger, who steered Disney as CEO from 2005 until 2020 – when his contract expired – returned to the entertainment giant recently. His return follows the exit of Bob Chapek, who took over as Disney CEO from Iger in February 2020 – just as the COVID-19 pandemic began hitting the entertainment and visitor attraction industry
latest jobs
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
The new Experience Centre houses a 20m LED dome
Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has unveiled its Experience Centre which houses a
...
Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics for the Academy Museum
Acoustical consulting firm Jaffe Holden provided architectural acoustics and audio/video design services for the recently opened Academy Museum of Motion
...
cladkit product news
The furniture collection draws on absolute geometries, pure lines, neutral colours and strong references to nature
Furniture manufacturer Varaschin has unveiled the new Wellness Therapy range, designed by Italian spa and wellness architect and designer Alberto
...
A group of Dutch engineers have presented a new attractions concept that combines a flying observation cabin with LED digital
...
cladkit product news
The new lock model allows facilities and building managers to create and manage access via an app or online portal
Codelocks has launched its first glass door smart lock to bring intelligent access control to modern spa, leisure, fitness and
...
Alemanno believes the stones are well-placed in the spa environment thanks to their capacity to positively support physical and mental health
Fabio Alemanno Design has expanded its collection with semi-precious stones to enhance spas, wellness facilities, hotels and private residences. The
...
