As we start to feel all sorts of effects from climate change, we’ve become more conscious about our relationship with nature in all aspects of our lives. Well, that is, if you actually care about this planet’s future of course. Sustainable ecotourism has become a buzzword as we’re seeing all sorts of structures being built that want to have a harmonious relationship with its surroundings.
Designer: Kengo Kuma for Red Sea Global
However, we have to admit that a lot of these sustainable projects fall under the category of luxury tourism since it takes a considerable amount of money to design and construct things like these. The Ummahat AlShaykh Island project in the middle of the Red Sea is one such undertaking. The 22 islands are located in the west coast of Saudi Arabia and has several luxury tourist villas and othe structures that are designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable.
The “Land Villas” have curved roofs that are inspired by the contours of the dunes in the area and have a helical structure with a great view of the surrounding waters. To make sure that it minimizes disturbance in the environment, prefabrication is the key. They also used spruce timber and clay plaster with the roofs using natural cedar wood shingles to make it resilient against salt water and other extreme weather conditions.
The islands also have specialty restaurants located one over water and another on land, a spa, housekeeping villas, a guest jetty, and a community building for those that prefer to socialize rather than just stay in the privacy of their villas. I don’t even want to think about how much an overnight stay would cost but this is a great idea for those who can afford it and would want to have a more eco-friendly kind of vacation.
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