Ummahat 9-3 Hotel, Café, and Restaurant by Kengo Kuma and Associates is a thoughtful architectural response to the unique environment of the Red Sea. Completed in 2024, the 17,000 m² project was constructed by Blumer-Lehmann AG with a focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact.

The land villas feature gently curved roofs that echo the island’s sand dunes, ensuring privacy while preserving the natural topography. About that, the architects team declares: “Our design approach was deeply rooted in the site’s unique characteristics, fostering a philosophy of seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Despite the challenges presented by the delicate environment, our site-specific approach guided us in crafting low, horizontally oriented Land Villas with gently curved roofs mirroring the natural sand dunes. This design not only ensures guest privacy but also harmonizes with the island’s topography, minimizing sand infill and preserving its natural shape.”

Prefabrication techniques reduced the use of concrete, favoring wood and clay plaster for a warm, organic aesthetic. Spruce wood, chosen for its resilience in saline conditions, complements the natural cedar shingles that clad the roofs, ensuring durability in the coastal climate.

“In terms of material selection, we aimed to minimize the use of concrete and instead employed prefabrication systems, primarily incorporating wood and clay plaster to infuse warmth and tenderness into the architecture. Spruce wood, selected for its durability in a highly saline environment, complements clay plaster, which reflects the patterns of sand dunes and natural weathering processes, thereby emphasizing the buildings’ connection to nature.”

“Our design ethos embodies a holistic approach to architecture, seamlessly merging with the environment while prioritizing sustainability and durability.”

Photo: (c) Nicola Maniero