Zekreet Resort | A Luxury Among the Limestone
episode YONGSAN 241: Redefining Innovation with the SK D&D Design Team
February 18, 2025
RUDIS – Rising to the Level of Champion
February 19, 2025
Modern Comfort in a Historic Land
Rising from the rugged landscape of Zekreet, this resort is an architectural tribute to the Ras Abrouq mountain range, where prehistoric formations stand as remnants of time. Designed by Mohanad Barakat to embrace the land’s natural beauty, the structure feels as if it was carved directly from the desert itself. Every curve and contour reflects the forces that have shaped this landscape for centuries, transforming wind-sculpted limestone into an artistic inspiration for contemporary hospitality.
The resort’s layout follows the organic lines of the surrounding terrain, mirroring the rolling dunes and eroded rock formations. From an aerial perspective, it appears to merge with the land, creating an uninterrupted flow between built space and untouched wilderness. This careful approach ensures that rather than imposing itself onto the environment, the design allows nature to dictate its form.
Material choices and color palettes reflect the geological wonders of Ras Abrouq. The resort’s structures are layered with textures reminiscent of the region’s limestone, their hues shifting with the changing light of the desert. From soft, golden tones at sunrise to deep amber at dusk, the play of shadows and reflections transforms the buildings into an extension of the landscape. Accents of chrome add contrast, emphasizing the meeting point between nature and modern design.
Expansive windows open the interiors to sweeping desert vistas, drawing in natural light while offering uninterrupted views of the terrain beyond. The presence of an outdoor pool and spa area brings an added sense of tranquility, creating a contrast between the arid surroundings and the refreshing elements within. Guests are invited to relax in a space that balances contemporary luxury with the vastness of the open desert.
Beyond the main structures, a natural garden preserves the untouched character of the land. Native plants grow freely, maintaining a direct link to the environment without artificial intervention. A moment of reflection on the quiet solitude of the desert could be experienced by visitors who walk through this space, allowing them to experience the landscape in it's purest form.
This project is an example of how architecture can be shaped by the land instead of destroying nature and habitat to achieve one's goal of creating something majestic. By drawing from the resilience of Ras Abrouq’s rock formations, the resort provides a place that respects both history and nature.
Its presence in the desert does not compete with the surroundings but exists as part of them, offering a refined yet understated retreat where modern design and ancient landscapes exist in quiet dialogue.
Credits:
Entry Title: Zekreet Resort
Entrant Company: Mohanad Barakat
Winning Category: Landscape Architecture - Tourism Design
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