EOLIOS collaborates with Ateliers Jean Nouvel and Terrell for the SHAARAN project
Sharaan Hotel, Al-Ula Desert, Saudi Arabia, design: Jean Nouvel
Since prehistoric times, troglodytic dwellings have been a rudimentary or sumptuous form of architecture, present in various traditions, consisting of underground or rock-cut dwellings on mountainsides.
Jean Nouvel’s new project will be built in the heart of the Al-Ula desert in Saudi Arabia.
A region steeped in history, its pre-Islamic heritage is little-known to all but the archaeologists who are multiplying excavations on its various sites.
Within the framework of this exceptional project, led by the Jean Nouvel studio, we were able to carry out a global study of the site in order to precisely characterize the resort’s aeraulics (site microclimates, internal air movement, thermosiphon effects…) to define a global and unique natural ventilation strategy with the aim of harnessing the “energy of the mountains”.
This unique project, at one with the mountain’s elements and inspired by the wind at its heart, is best described by Jean Nouvel himself.
A troglodyte hotel in a mountain in the middle of the desert:
Sharaan Hotel, Al-Ula Desert, Saudi Arabia, project: Jean Nouvel
Aeraulics at the heart of the project :
Following the example of troglodyte civilizations, the project is inspired by and uses natural thermo-aerodynamic phenomena to optimize its operation.
First thermo-aerodynamic studies of the site to understand natural ventilation mechanisms: EOLIOS
