Saudi Arabia’s new luxury desert resort to blend with traditional Najdi architecture

 

Najdi architecture to feature dominantly in Saudi Arabia’s new luxury desert resort  

Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury hospitality sector is set to welcome a new landmark destination with the arrival of Amansamar, a desert resort in Wadi Safar designed to blend contemporary luxury with traditional Najdi architecture.

The resort, created by architecture firm Denniston under the direction of Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy, draws heavily on the historic architectural identity of central Saudi Arabia while adapting it for modern lifestyles and international travelers.

According to Gathy, the design process began with the core principles of Najdi architecture, including solid walls, earthy materials, geometric patterns and layered courtyard layouts.

 

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“Our approach began with the fundamental principles of Najdi architecture: the scale and solidity of the walls, the materiality, the color palette, the patterns, and the layered composition of courtyards,” Gathy said.

Rather than replicating traditional structures, the architects sought to reinterpret them in a contemporary way. Open interiors, natural light and expansive views were integrated into the design while preserving the privacy traditionally associated with Najdi homes through carefully positioned courtyards.

The project intentionally avoids the trend of highly ostentatious luxury architecture, embracing instead a more understated aesthetic rooted in local traditions and environmental responsiveness.

“Najdi architecture is inherently modest and deeply rooted in function, privacy and climate response,” Gathy said. “The idea of iconic architecture is a contemporary construct, and not one that aligns with the origins of this typology.”

Set along the escarpments of Wadi Safar, the resort’s buildings are designed to merge with the surrounding cliffs and desert terrain rather than dominate them. Gathy said the dramatic visual impact comes from the interaction between the structures and the natural landscape.

Traditional urban features such as narrow alleyways known as sikkas, communal gathering spaces called barahas and courtyard residences have also been reimagined throughout the resort. Designers refined these spaces with softer furnishings, enhanced landscaping, water features and modern materials to improve comfort while maintaining the spirit of traditional Najdi environments.

The resort spans a varied topography of plateaus, valleys and cliffs, creating distinct guest experiences depending on location. Plateau accommodations focus on privacy and landscaped gardens, while cliffside structures open onto sweeping views of the surrounding terrain and golf course.

 

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Gathy described the site’s challenging terrain as both the project’s greatest obstacle and its biggest opportunity. Designers carefully planned pathways and transitions between elevations to ensure seamless movement across the property while preserving the natural scale and beauty of the landscape.

Amansamar arrives as Saudi Arabia accelerates development of its tourism and hospitality industries under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy. For Gathy, the project represents an opportunity to celebrate and reinterpret Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage for a global audience.

“There is a strong sense of pride in local identity, and that made this project especially meaningful,” he said.

Source: Arab News