Desert Rock is part of an ambitious and unprecedented eco-tourism development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, set among 11,000 square miles of islands, beaches, desert, mountains, and volcanic areas. This inland project engages with the majestic granite mountains and mythical desertscape.
Rethinking The Future Awards 2025
Second Award | Hospitality (Built)
Project Name: Desert Rock
Category: Hospitality (Built)
Studio Name: Oppenheim Architecture
Design Team: Chad Oppenheim, Timothy Archambault, Kevin McMorris, Katherine Bedwell, Jacobus Bruyning, Ana Calderon, Reynolds Diaz Jr., Kevin Heidorn, Alex Lozano, Olivier Montfort, Marcel Montoya, Marie-Pierre Pare, Andrea Perelli, Naaly Pierre, Patrick Reuter
Area: 335,000 SF
Year: 2024
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Consultants:
Photography Credits: John Athimaritis
Render Credits:
Other Credits:
Working with the language of the earth, we have designed new spaces and experiences— buildings that disappear within the tectonic landscape, echoing ancient Nabatean civilizations that once lived in the region. Indoor and outdoor spaces are located within crevices and caves, or on shaded slopes, utilizing the cooler microclimates and minimizing solar gain. These discrete locations camouflage the architecture during the day, while at night they glow like small lanterns dotted across the massif.
A key environmental challenge in desert resorts is managing the intense heat. By placing architecture in crevices, the buildings remain in shade for most of the day, significantly lowering heat gain and achieving natural passive cooling through wind created downwind of the main massif. This innovative approach reduces reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning, promoting energy efficiency while maintaining comfort for guests.
In addition to energy efficiency, the resort employs cutting-edge water conservation techniques. With the desert environment’s scarcity of fresh water, Desert Rock uses advanced systems to recycle water, reducing consumption. Furthermore, the resort’s landscaping features drought-resistant plants, reducing the need for water-intensive vegetation and ensuring a sustainable approach to green spaces.
The project defines new territory for sustainability and sustainable tourism at every level; across planning, construction, and operation. Most construction materials will be recycled from the site, so that building impact is minimal, and new forms embody the same colors and minerals as their surroundings. Dispersed facilities minimize the resort’s footprint and invite wider site exploration, adventure, and discovery; introducing guests to all the cultural, archeological, and geological dimensions of this awe-inspiring place.
Desert Rock will create a benchmark for future hospitality development in the region, delivering a net positive conservation benefit and establishing an internationally recognized place brand for our client.
