Gulf Construction Online - Masterplanners selected for Amaala communities

Saudi Focus

Amaala ... to be completed in three phases.

Masterplanners selected for Amaala communities

01 April 2020

Amaala, the ultra-luxury destination located along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coastline, has appointed masterplanners for its three key communities – The Island, Triple Bay and The Coastal Development. These include leading architectural firm Denniston for The Island and international design firm HKS Architects for Triple Bay and The Coastal Development.

Set in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, Amaala will be an ultra-luxury destination that focuses on curating transformative personal journeys inspired by arts, wellness and the purity of the Red Sea. Its development will be rolled out in three key phases, with completion slated ahead of the realisation of Saudi Vision 2030 programme.

The Island will be the tranquil home of an exclusive art community, and an Arabian botanical garden incorporating sculptural pieces. It will house masterpieces across four key design elements: a contemporary art museum and academy, a Riviera-lifestyle artists’ colony, immersive artistic experiences, and art and sculpture co-creation opportunities.

On the key contract win, Principal Designer of Denniston Jean-Michel Gathy said: “The Island development will be an immersive and interactive art-inspired jewel. Its lifestyle components, landscaping, museums, and art installations together with the art community will transform this island into the Diamond of the Red Sea. It will feature many different venues for permanent installations or temporary exhibitions.”

“The graphic layout of its spine will be distinctive from the air and will be recognised internationally as an iconic landmark. The project is truly unique; nothing like it has ever been planned before,” he added.

Triple Bay will offer a fully holistic wellness retreat, state-of-the-art diagnostic medical facilities, and authentic treatments influenced by the local environment and traditional practices. The community will be the first integrated sports and entertainment community with diagnostics, medical, and transformative wellness combined with learning in a family-friendly environment. With underwater experiences that will immerse guests into the natural domain of dolphins, turtles, and untouched coral reefs, Triple Bay is set to become one of the world’s finest diving destinations in the world.

The Coastal Development is being spearheaded as the defining hub of contemporary arts in the Middle East. It will feature an arts museum and cultural district, along with an amphitheatre for live performances. This stretch of coastline will be a gathering place for a community of influencers and connoisseurs, complete with premium spa facilities, yoga, meditation, in addition to an equestrian centre equipped to offer rehabilitation, high-tech stabling, tournament-grade polo facilities, and instructors.

Kevin Underwood, the Master Planning & Design Principal of HKS Architects, said: “The developments at Triple Bay and The Coastal Development offer a once-in-a-career opportunity. We’re bringing together the global expertise of our firm, using our knowledge of designing for healthcare, sports, and other applications to create something innovative and contemporary.”