Oppenheim Architecture’s Post

Set in a hidden valley and nestled between the mountains, Desert Rock - part of the Red Sea regional development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - is now open and we’re super excited about this! Working with the language of the site’s geology, !melk designed a cohesive visitor experience consisting of journeys and a variety of spaces that instigate wider site exploration, adventure, and discovery, introducing guests to all of the cultural, archeological, and geological dimensions of this awe-inspiring place. A bespoke pavement strategy as well as a native planting palette subtly integrated into the design, along with landscape architectural interventions reinforce a singular identity for this place. A key feature of the site is the Southern Wadi, and in anticipation of future conditions, !melk investigated and developed a seasonal strategy for wadi management. In sheer contrast to the wadi are the spaces located within crevices and caves, or on shaded slopes. Inspired by ancient vernacular and building techniques that utilized the cooler microclimates and minimizing solar gain, a variety of discrete spaces are dispersed across the natural site. Great collaboration with our friends at Oppenheim Architecture and our client Red Sea Global ! Desert Rock defines the new frontier for sustainability and sustainable tourism on every level - across planning, design, and operation. All materiality selections are sourced directly from the site, so that construction impact is minimal. The project is poised to serve as a benchmark for hospitality development in the region, undoubtedly delivering an internationally recognized destination.