A primordial interpretation of the landscape, flipped upside-down, wraps around the program with gradualness; from “closed” to “open” and from “private” to “public”. The interplay between architecture and nature, from the mythically internalized to the majestically sublime, reveals an eloquence of symbiotic coexistence with the landscape. Reinterpreting, at onset, Past Traditions from existing Al-Ula dwelling prototypes to fit the Present Narrative of Himaya Program, where locals host travelling guests. The “Himaya Guesthouse” is a 2-family dwelling. It has the local family living in elevated grounds, accessed by inset ones, while the guest family occupying loosely the ground level. The overall structure integrates with and frames, rather than obstructs, the majestic landscape around. Formally, the canopied structure sprouts above the shaded ground underneath, akin to the Acacia trees, native to Al-Ula. Structurally, the dwelling’s cut-out soil constitutes the majority of its 3d-printed material; the eco-friendly construction is further optimized by Design-Direct-to-3D-Print.
Award: Finalist 100 Architects for 100 Houses