CONCEPT

The world’s population is constantly growing. More and more space is needed for housing, taking up land. Therefore, high-quality building concentrations combined with an optimised use of land and greening of buildings form a core strategy for the buildings of the future.

The aim is to minimise the current separation between natural and cultural space and to bring more nature into urban areas, while also maintaining and strengthening natural spaces as far as possible when designing new developments in natural areas.

The proposed competition entry creates a structure raised up from the earth that reacts to the palm grove without destroying a single tree, making it possible to live in the heart of a generous green space. Raising the building means that no land is lost – in fact, additional useful space is created.

The architecture and its sections blend with the trees, becoming part of the landscape and generating a multi-layered, habitable structure of indoor and outdoor space. The project is developed out of its context and follows the rules of the palm grove.

The goal is to create an inviting world in which light and shade, reflection and absorption, complexity and peace, nature and culture are harmoniously combined in a joyful way.

The building hopes to become a part of AlUla, interpreting the historic heritage with reflection. It plans to enhance the fascination of the palm grove by increasing the focus on it. It intends to maximise the value and enjoyment of the oasis.

ELEMENTS OF ARAB ARCHITECTURE

The project is based on elements of traditional Arab architecture: the garden “Garden of Eden”, columned halls and geometric patterns as ornamentation.

Here the garden is an agricultural area with palms and fruit trees spread across various levels, which blends with the building. The columns are positioned freely and combine to form a columned hall with the checked tree trunks of the palm grove. The geometric pattern becomes the supporting structure of the levels, its division defined by the palms.

The garden, the columned hall and the geometric pattern become modern, contemporary proposals based on tradition.

THE BUILDING

Raised above the ground on stilts, two circular levels are proposed. The levels consist of a honeycomb beam construction made from palm wood, in an even geometric grid.

Home modules of various kinds can be slid into the levels, creating a flexible living structure that can cater to a wide range of lifestyles.

The configuration shown in the competition is a type of living in which multiple home modules each with their own bathroom, kitchenette, workspace and terrace are located right next to community spaces with kitchen and lounge areas. The community spaces are positioned openly on each level.

Fruit trees with typical regional plants growing underneath are spread across hanging planting troughs across all levels, while a network of paths connects the areas. Openings in the levels allow visual connections across the levels and into the palm grove.

The home modules shown are arranged in a circle. One half of the home units is glazed and can be slid open completely, allowing the inhabitants to live and sleep outdoors. One opaque and one transparent curtain, combined with the sliding window, allow a seamless transition from completely open to fully closed and opaque.

In the back shell of each module is a shower, WC, basin, kitchenette, storage space and dressing room, with a bath tub sunk into the floor. The individual areas in the shell can be separated or connected using sliding elements. The unit of bed and table is proposed sculpturally as a “flying carpet”.

The configuration presented is essentially conceivable as cluster living – small private residential units with community areas used by all residents – or as an apartment hotel complex, offering residential units and community areas with hotel service. Community areas for communication and social gatherings are offered alongside peaceful spaces for relaxation.

The arrangement shown provides or retains space for 24 residents, 19 date palms, 45 fruit trees and numerous other plants.

ACCESS

A wooden path, slightly raised from the ground, crosses the palm grove, connecting the eastern and western ends. This path leads to a small square below the building structure. Here, a central check-in and service area is located. Contactless, digital check-in is planned for the residential/hotel building. The different levels are accessed via a curved open staircase or a lift. The small square with seating areas also acts as a meeting point and relaxation space for visitors and walkers, or it can be converted into a visitor centre if required. A sophisticated network of paths links the areas on the various levels.

Raised from the ground, the path requires minimal intervention in the terrain. Traditional flood irrigation can still be conducted in historical areas as needed. The path can be used by pedestrians, transport wagons and cyclists. The ends of the path are connected to the Soft Mobility Network.