Sail Tower

4.4

reviews

● # Rank

Situated along the Corniche in Jeddah, this project draws inspiration from its prime location on the Red Sea. It introduces the concept of the 'architectural sail' as a versatile element that harmonizes with the program, site, and climate, resulting in a distinct interplay of texture and light. The tower, rising 64 stories, encompasses a luxurious Shangri-La Hotel featuring 242 rooms, 104 residential apartments, and a parking area accommodating 600 cars.

Jeddah's burgeoning waterfront development is amplified by this project, marking the junction between the desert landscape and the Red Sea. The city's growth as a sought-after resort destination for both Saudis and foreigners has successfully addressed climatic and cultural considerations in the hospitality realm through this project.

The building takes on a simple, slender rectangular form strategically aligned along the east-west axis to optimize solar exposure, shield the entrance court from the north, and provide captivating views of the water. Its major elements gracefully intertwine as a continuous ribbon from the ground level to the penthouse, creating a sense of privacy as they ascend. The gradual deepening of exterior spaces and rotation of the architectural sails offer a mesmerizing pattern and texture to the building's facade while affording privacy between adjacent rooms, framing scenic views of the water, and mitigating the impact of sun and wind.

As night falls, the sails transform into sources of gentle illumination, employing integrated LED fixtures to create a dynamic and flowing array across the building's surface. Rather than relying on mere formal gestures, this innovative tectonic approach infuses the architecture with a distinctive sense of place and identity.