Shurayrah Island, Saudi Arabia
Led by architect Gerard Evenden from the American Prize for Design laureate office of Foster + Partners, Coral Bloom forms part of the larger Red Sea Project, a regenerative tourism master plan by the Red Sea Development Company that includes a new airport, luxury marinas, and 50 resorts across 22 islands.
The Red Sea Project is a crucial component of Vision 2030, a framework to end Saudi Arabia’s economic reliance on oil, reform the government, invest in public sector programs, develop critical markets, and grow tourism to diversify the economy.
The plan is bold in scope—it includes a $200 billion solar farm, $500 billion smart city, called Neom, and encompassing 21 headlining names in architecture, and the subterranean Sharaan Resort by architect Jean Nouvel.
“Our vision for Shurayrah is inspired by the island’s natural state, with the hotels designed to give the impression that they have washed up on the beaches and nestled among the dunes almost like driftwood,” said Evenden.
The materials we use are low impact and ensure that the pristine environment is protected, while the additions we make to the island serve to enhance what is already there – hence the name, Coral Bloom.’
Biodiversity considerations take centre stage, with the plan designed to avoid disruption of the island’s mangroves and other habitats, a natural defense from erosion while new habitats are created through landscaping to enhance the island’s natural state.
The proposal also outlines designs for the island’s 11 hotels, adapted to suit traveler expectations post-Covid-19, including more space.
Immersed into the landscape to effectively form part of the sweeping dunes, the design allows the island’s natural beauty to reign supreme.
The design sees new beaches created on the dolphin-shaped island along with a new lagoon.
These enhancements will contribute to raising the level of the land, providing a defensive layer from the global threat of rising sea levels.
Importantly, the changes aim to preserve or enhance what already exists on the island, without damaging any habitats or natural shores.
The island’s natural landscape will be used to dramatic effect with all hotels and villas nestled within the landscape.
The absence of high-rise buildings will ensure the spectacular vistas remain uninhibited, while creating a sense of mystery for guests as the island slowly reveals itself.
The resorts themselves will be created using lightweight materials with a low thermal mass and manufactured offsite, meaning more energy efficient construction and less impact on the environment.
The entire destination will be powered by renewables, underpinned by the largest battery storage system in the world.
Slated to open in 2022, Coral Bloom forms part of the larger Red Sea Project, a regenerative tourism master plan by the Red Sea Development Company that includes a new airport, luxury marinas, and 50 resorts across 22 islands.
Foster + Partners Coral Bloom
Architects: Foster + Partners
Client: Red Sea Development Company
