Inspired by the waterfront qualities of its site, the environmentally-
and culturally-sensitive Kempinski Hotel Sail Tower explores the concept of an
‘architectural sail’. Derived as an
expression of the building functions and occupant activity rather than nautical
utility, the sail elements create varying surface texture and effect. Integrated LED lights embedded in the sails
emit a soft, low light that can be programmed to move gradually over the
building, mimicking the wave of a sail in the ocean breeze.
The sails, designed to be prefabricated off-site, are composed of
aluminum frames wrapped with a durable, Teflon-coated synthetic fabric
(Gore-Tenara). Erected off-site and flat-packed, the units can be transported
by elevator to each floor, expanded with an internal screw jack ‘mast’
mechanism, and set in place.
The program for the 60-story, 63,000 sm building mixes a 242-key luxury
hotel, 104 residential units, amenities, support spaces, and 600-car enclosed
parking. The building massing is oriented
to optimize water views, minimize solar exposure, and shade the entrance
court. Privacy increases as the building
rises, and circulation routes between the units and amenities, like the pool,
were determined in collaboration with a local partner to ensure cultural
appropriateness.
The project, situated on a prominent parcel along the Corniche in
Jeddah, marks the transition between the desert landscape and the Red Sea.The climate in Jeddah ranges from up
to 115F in the summer to down to 55F in the winter, with high humidity year round. Analyzed using Ecotect software, the
calibrated angles of the sails provide protection from sun and wind, direct
views to the water, and increased privacy for each unit, turning as the
building rises and the balcony depths increase.
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