Zardun | OMA - Office for Metropolitan Architecture

Zardun is a resort developed by NEOM in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Covering four square kilometers, Zardun has been designed around environmental stewardship, including the creation of a series of oases to support diverse habitats and facilitate the re-introduction and nurturing of native animals, tree, and plant species. The architecture complements the natural surroundings. Four buildings with distinctive features leverage the various topographical forms of the site: an experience center and a trio of hotels, with 100 rooms and suites in total. Perched on a hill, the center comprises staggered vertical volumes that open towards the mountains and to the sea. The building serves both as an interactive learning center for the public and a hub for scientists in residence who study the local habitat. Each hotel is designed to offer a distinct experience of the surroundings. Nestled between two hills, the Wedge features a series of three suspended transparent volumes that offer visitors an elevated vantage point to overlook the landscape. Across from it, the Stack reveals itself as a more introverted aggregation of horizontal volumes inspired by the surrounding rock formations. Between them, on the flat land, stands the Tower – a monolith perforated by a void, like a stone eroded by wind.

Partners-in-Charge: Chris van Duijn

Competition
Associate: Ravi Kamisetti
Team: Ken Fung, Matvei Osipov

Pre-Concept
Associates: Kellen Huang, Wael Sleiman
Team: Andre Backlund, Giuseppe Bandieramonte, Felicia Gambino, Milyausha Garaeva,
Benedetta Gatti, Yabiao Guo, Alicja Krzywinska, Elizaveta Sudravskaya, Wesley Chun Ting
She, Ece Sky Ulusoy

COLLABORATORS
Ramboll
DGJ & Partners