The Shebara Resort, designed by Killa Design and operated by Red Sea Global (RSG), is a fully autonomous and sustainable project, powered entirely by an on-site solar farm and supported by its own desalination and waste-processing systems, setting a new paradigm for regenerative design. This world-leading, futuristic hotel showcases Shebara’s Zero-X commitment: zero energy, zero water, and zero waste.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Strategically located on Sheybarah Island within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination, it embodies the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification and the creation of a global icon. By fostering a world-class luxury tourism industry, the resort demonstrates that the Kingdom is willing to commit significant capital to technically difficult, sustainable projects, reinforcing its commitment to non-hydrocarbon economic pillars globally.
Killa Design’s Vision: The Illusion of Weightlessness
Killa Design, renowned for its work on Dubai’s celebrated Museum of the Future, has defined the Shebara Resort with a striking spherical structure. Drawing inspiration from the natural formation of pearls and the rising air bubbles from the ocean floor, the architecture evolved to resemble a string of pearls floating above the pristine waters. The striking villas, crafted as polished stainless-steel orbs, reflect the sky and sea, giving the impression of floating above the turquoise waters.
Stainless Steel Cladding
The master plan features 73 villas, 38 overwater and 35 beachfront, finished in polished stainless steel. Cantilevered above the water, the floating villas create a visual effect in which the structure appears to dissolve into the horizon. The conscious choice of mirror-polished stainless-steel cladding offers corrosion resistance, reduces passive heat absorption, and lowers the cooling load required by the villas.
The interiors, conceived by Studio Paolo Ferrari, feature custom, organically shaped elements, including monolithic bed platforms that seamlessly integrate nightstands; angled, solid, carved-oak vanities; and cantilevered mirrors suspended from curved ceiling planes. The interior palette balances the futuristic stainless-steel exterior with tactile, familiar materials like travertine, stone, and wood, along with subtle, deep-red accents that create a sense of comfort and refinement.
Net-Zero Infrastructure
To uphold the resort’s sustainable goals, innovative construction techniques were adopted, including an offshore prefabrication strategy wherein all villas were entirely constructed, fitted out, and commissioned in the UAE. Later transported to Sheybarah Island, this technically demanding approach minimizes disturbance to the marine environment.
The self-sustaining infrastructure positions Shebara Resort as a next-generation ecotourism destination committed to net-zero operations for energy, water, and waste. It includes a 110,000-square-meter solar farm, enabling off-grid engineering that provides an entirely zero-energy experience. With the incorporation of an advanced recycling system, the resort aims to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero-carbon tourism in the region.
Building Management System (BMS) tools are employed to optimize the performance of HVAC, lighting, and water systems, minimizing energy consumption and reducing operational costs. The system includes AI-driven analytics and IoT integration, enabling centralized monitoring and remote control of all building operations while maintaining a high level of comfort for a luxurious experience. Red Sea Global welcomes visitors, educates them about vibrant coral ecosystems, and encourages participation in marine conservation efforts such as coral gardening and mangrove expansion.
Shebara Resort Project Details
Location: Sheybarah Island, The Red Sea Destination
Concept Ideation: Oppenheim Architecture
Architects: Killa Design
Developer: Red Sea Global (RSG)
Interior Design: Studio Paolo Ferrari
Photo Credits: © Katarina Premfors
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