Zardun

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 has been designed to offer a distinct experience reflecting 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 striking structure with angular sections carved out of the centre to reflect the evolving natural landscape.

Architect: OMA

Client: NEOM

Year: 2024 - Ongoing

Location: Saudi Arabia

Design Team:

Chris van- Dujin, partner

Ravi Kamisetti, Kellen Huang & Wael Sleiman, associates

Andre Backlund, Giuseppe Bandieramonte, Felicia Gambino, Milyausha Garaeva, Benedetta Gatti,

Yabiao Guo, Alicja Krzywinska, Matvei Osipov, Wesley Chun Ting She, Elisaveta Sudravskaya & Sky Ece Ulusoy