In an ethereal landscape at the edge of desert and sea, framed within the founding principles of one of the most timeless and influential civilizations, lies a crescent shaped place. Staying true to the DNA of the Qatari village, the spaces and gestures of the Zulal Destination Spa and Family Resort spring from the first principle of the courtyard. Each courtyard scattered across the site as moons across the heavens; centripetal points around which the accommodations revolve.
Formally, it is a reversion to geometric primitives and the inscriptions of Islamic astrology against the landscape of the desert. A composition that is reminiscent of the primary knowledge of the ancients. Earnest and timeless, the architecture of Zulal is simultaneously powerful, yet comfortable; primitive, yet innovative; casual, yet elegant; raw, yet refined. Zulal?s architecture merges with the stillness of the land, arching with the flow of the currents in the sea to create luxury spa accommodations that are beautiful and timeless. Our proposal establishes itself on the landscape, and recedes into the landscape playing the counterpoints of presence and absence, the references of above, below and in-between, establishing balance. Gardens, pools, meeting and meditative spaces are all found in the interstitial spaces at the gathering of program.
The resulting experience is sensual and sensitive, intentionally reduced to what is essential - romantically establishing a simple connection with the sea through bold, elemental forms, sincere materiality/detailing, and the florid use of Qatar?s bountiful natural resources.
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