Kengo Kuma Unveils An Eco-Conscious Island Retreat

2024 Best of Year Winner For Country Getaway

Interior Design Hall of Fame member and architect Kengo Kuma has crafted St. Regis Red Sea Resort, an eco-conscious island retreat comprising 47 beach and 43 overwater villas, five dining venues, and extensive wellness facilities. To minimize the use of concrete, the structures employ prefabricated timber construction with roofs clad in natural cedar shingles and walls finished with clay plaster. The organic curves of the buildings blend seamlessly with the Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia, landscape or appear to spiral gracefully from the sea. All villas incorporate private sundecks and pools, while designer Kristina Zanic’s characterful interiors feature a desert-inspired palette accented with coral and teal hues. Details include turtle shell–patterned floor tile, coral-shaped handles, hand-embellished art, and accessories crafted from natural materials.

PROJECT TEAM: KENGO KUMA; NICOLA MANIERO; DERIN KINACIGIL; JUAN FRANCO; HANNAH APPELGREN; TANIA UTOMO; LUDOVICA CIRILLO; ARIS KAFANTARIS; PAOLO DANESI; TRAN HUY VU NGUYEN; CARMEN KONG; SATOSHI ADACHI; RITA TOPA; PAVEL SIPKIN; AIGERIM SZYZDYKOVA; JANET CHOY (KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES); KRISTINA ZANIC; SEJAL PATEL (KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS).