CURIOUS CURVES: A hypnotic concept in the desert

Set within the wide-reaching desert dunes of Kuwait, Jasper Architects’ hotel concept truly embodies the idea of an oasis, its lush palms and spa creating a luxurious sanctuary that both plays with and against the local landscape.

Grand geometry

The competition prize-winning concept centres around the idea of the sprawling oasis, where luscious greens meet the ever-changing desert. Yet while the greenery stands out from the endless sand dunes, the lulling rise and fall of the structure itself mirrors the area’s form.

Close to 20000 square metres in size, this sprawling hotel and spa opens up softly upon approach, speckled with private suites, swimming pools and spas from which not only to find joy in, and sometimes escape, from the desert sun, but also from which guests may appreciate the spectacular views.

Uncovered

While the idea of the project is to match the shape of the dunes while providing respite, the roof structure is pierced with multiple cut-outs, creating undulation between dark and light, warm and cool. Displaying the sky in the day, and thus grounding the visitor to the hotel’s spectacular location, the lack of light spill at night means deserts often offer unmatched night-time views, with only the stars up above.

Aptly named Dunas, after the unfolding sand dunes in which it is located, this hotel sets itself apart in both its location and its unique approach. Easily constructed on site by way of pre-cast pigmented concrete and with warm wood tones and rammed earth used within, Dunas thoughtfully combines cool and, well, cool.