DUBAI: The latest addition to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning luxury hospitality industry is Amansamar, a resort set in the dramatic landscape of Wadi Safar in Diriyah.
Amansamar was designed by Denniston — a firm led by renowned Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy — to reflect a contemporary interpretation of Najdi architecture, rooted in tradition yet adapted for modern living.
From the outside, the architecture retains a sense of authenticity. Inside, however, the space looks very different. (Supplied)
“Our approach began with the fundamental principles of Najdi architecture: the scale and solidity of the walls, the materiality, the color palette, the patterns, and the layered composition of courtyards,” Gathy told Arab News.
Rather than replicating historical forms, the team focused on translating these elements into a contemporary language. “Comfort and ease of living are essential, so we carefully adapted traditional geometry and proportions to incorporate openings, windows and doors in a way that feels natural,” Gathy explained.
From the outside, the architecture retains a sense of authenticity. Inside, however, the space looks very different. “Internally, spaces are open, light-filled and connected to views, while still maintaining privacy through carefully positioned courtyards,” Gathy said.
This balancing act — between openness and privacy, tradition and modernity — runs through every aspect of the project. (Supplied)
This balancing act — between openness and privacy, tradition and modernity — runs through every aspect of the project. In an era where iconic, statement-making buildings often dominate the luxury landscape, Amansamar deliberately takes a different approach. For Gathy, this was not a stylistic choice, but a philosophical one.
“Najdi architecture is inherently modest and deeply rooted in function, privacy and climate response. That philosophy naturally informed our approach,” he said. “The idea of ‘iconic architecture’ is a contemporary construct, and not one that aligns with the origins of this typology.”
Instead, the project derives its visual impact from its setting. Positioned along an escarpment, the buildings interact directly with Wadi Safar’s cliffs, creating what Gathy describes as a “powerful visual presence” that emerges organically from the landscape rather than being imposed on it. “The real sense of drama comes from the relationship between the architecture and the site itself,” he said. “We carefully positioned the buildings to engage with the escarpment and take full advantage of the site’s natural drama. This approach allows the architecture to become part of the landscape, not separate from it.”
Even technical constraints, including keeping buildings a required distance from the cliffs, were incorporated into the design process. “We worked closely with these limitations to preserve the integrity of the concept,” Gathy added.
Central to the masterplan are traditional urban elements: the narrow pathways (sikkas), communal spaces (barahas), and courtyard homes — all reinterpreted for an international clientele.
“The key was to retain the essence of these traditional elements while refining them for contemporary comfort,” Gathy said. While the basic concepts remain intact, their execution has been softened through material choices and detailing.
“Proportions have been adjusted, seating has been made more comfortable, and materials have been refined,” Gathy said. “Where traditional settings may have been simple or raw, we introduced softer furnishings, and considered lighting, landscaping and water elements to enhance the atmosphere.”
Even surfaces have been adapted, with smoother finishes and more-level flooring to ensure ease of use, while preserving the irregular character of traditional patterns.
The resort’s varied terrain — plateaus, valleys and cliffs — translates into a range of guest experiences, without compromising consistency.
“Regardless of where guests stay, the level of comfort and access to amenities remains consistent across the resort,” said Gathy. “The distinction lies in the atmosphere and perspective offered by each setting.”
On the plateau, spaces are designed to feel intimate and residential, with views focused on landscaped gardens and privacy ensured through the spacing between pavilions. Along the escarpment, the experience shifts.
“Here, the architecture engages directly with the landscape, opening onto wide views across the golf course, the cliffs and the surrounding terrain,” said Gathy.
Designing across such complex topography presented both challenges and opportunities. “The greatest challenge was also the project’s greatest opportunity: the topography,” the architect noted.
With the resort spread across two elevations, connectivity became a major concern. “We designed the journey between these spaces very intentionally, ensuring movement through the landscape feels intuitive while preserving the scale and beauty of the site,” he said.
Amansamar arrives at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, as the Kingdom rapidly expands its luxury offerings under Vision 2030.
“What has been particularly inspiring is the opportunity to engage with the Kingdom’s rich architectural heritage and reinterpret it in a way that feels relevant for today,” said Gathy. “There is a strong sense of pride in local identity, and that made this project especially meaningful. Wadi Safar offers one of the most compelling landscapes in the Riyadh region. As a resort destination, it stands apart.”
