DRAWING BOARD
Envi Al Nakheel
Opening in early 2024 in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahsa
appointed to design the interiors, which are
Oasis, the debut property from Envi Lodges
inspired by the landscape and local architectural
SAUDI ARABIA
will comprise 25 eco pods, each with up to two
heritage of the Al Ahsa region. In line with Envi’s
bedrooms. The standalone units will be framed
commitment to sustainability, the interiors have
by triangular structures that provide shade and
also been developed with the environment in
privacy while creating a unique aesthetic.
mind, with the use of eco-friendly and organic
Designed
by
Thailand-based
Fractal
materials key. The aim is to integrate natural
Architects, Envi Al Nakheel will feature plant-
elements common to the area, including palm
based architecture that honours the region’s
leaves and bark, Athel plant straw, together
traditional crafts and vernacular as well as its
with locally derived paint and texture finishes.
agricultural history.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Tourism Development Fund Operator: Envi Lodges Architecture: Fractal Architects Interior Design: Kristina Zanic Consultants www.envilodges.com
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Built on a working palm plantation, the
A design highlight is the circular arrival
development will also be home to an arrival
pavilion, featuring a ceiling crafted from woven
pavilion, a farm-to-table dining venue and
palm leaf louvres, sugarcane bamboo and palm
a café, together with a wellness sanctuary,
wood. The space boasts a radial layout, with
banqueting area and private pools.
a stone and terrazzo floor. At its centre lies
“The farm is split between two plots, which
a water feature made from palm trunk slabs,
gave us the opportunity to designate one as
paying homage to the nearby farm streams and
‘passive’ and the other as ‘active’,” say Fractal
referring to the original meaning of ‘Ahsa’ – the
Architects. “This was achieved by distributing
sound of water flowing underground.
function between the adult-focused passive side
Dubai’s Kristina Zanic Consultants has been
and the family-orientated active side.”