PLEIADES / NEOM HOTEL

Designing within a context of immense visibility and territorial complexity — such as the development of NEOM in Saudi Arabia — demands an architectural approach that extends far beyond a purely formal response. Faced with the invitation to develop a “seven-star” hotel in such a sensitive setting, our response is rooted in critical engagement and in design as an instrument for conscious intervention.

Architectural practice carries the responsibility of proposing alternative paths. Thus, in contrast to monumentality or visual spectacle, we put forward a philosophy of restraint, sobriety, and absolute respect for the integrity of the land.

The proposal asserts itself through its content and ethos: minimal impact on the landscape, rigorous integration of sustainability principles, and the prioritization of spatial and human experience over ostentation. It stands as a subtle yet firm gesture, demonstrating how architecture can act as a force for positive transformation, environmental quality, and ethical responsibility — regardless of scale or contextual complexity.

Urban Strategy and Tessellation: The master plan for the Pleiades Resort establishes an interlocking spatial matrix at the coast of the Red Sea within the NEOM development zone. Rather than establishing a linear boundary between land and sea, the project reengineers the coastline through a geometric tessellation. Built platform masses extend into the maritime basin, while water channels penetrate the terrestrial perimeter, producing a reciprocal interface that allows both maritime and pedestrian access to every sector of the development.

Morphological Typology and Microclimate: The spatial distribution is derived from regional urban typologies, referencing the dense, low-rise structures of historic Arabian medinas, Al-Ula, and Madain Saleh. The overall massing is fragmented into 50 low-rise Riad-style villas. By employing compact built volumes, deep overhangs, controlled apertures, and internal landscaped courtyards, the architecture establishes a self-shading microclimate. Thermal performance is further enhanced through natural cross-ventilation and passive evaporative cooling generated by the surrounding water channels and pools.

Material Economy and On-Site Agglomeration: The material strategy employs a closed-loop, cradle-to-cradle methodology to minimize carbon emissions associated with resource extraction and transit. Sand and earth removed during site excavation are reclaimed and bound with cementitious agents to produce high-performance reconstructed stone blocks. These re-engineered mineral units serve as the primary structural and cladding material, aligning the chromatic and textural profile of the built volumes directly with the geological substrate of the site.

Programmatic Distribution and Access: Public functions—including the main reception, conference center, retail units, and administrative facilities—are situated at the landward entry threshold. This structural arrangement forms an acoustic and visual buffer for the residential zones beyond. Internal circulation is restricted to electric carts and watercraft operating via the canal network. Each individual Riad unit incorporates private pool infrastructure, direct water access, and automated environmental controls, establishing isolated residential units embedded within a unified master plan grid.