Free-flow club design links land to sea

Amaala, the ultra-luxury development located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast, has revealed an iconic HKS design for its Triple Bay Yacht Club.

Set within the Triple Bay Marina of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, the new yacht club is a keystone development with a captivating free-flowing structure that aims to create a one-of-a-kind meeting point between land and sea.
“Amaala is one of the flagship Saudi Vision 2030 projects and remains central to the kingdom’s ambition to become a global tourism leader. We anticipate that Amaala will become an international hub for luxury yachting and, as such, the yacht club required a world-class design, influenced by the surrounding natural elements and Arabic heritage, and underpinned by our commitment to sustainability,” said Amaala CEO John Pagano.
Drawing design inspiration from two sets of geometry, HKS first looked to the unique rock formations on the Saudi Red Sea coastline to create the club’s bespoke cantilevered terraces, which echo the natural shape of the surrounding cliffs, eroded over time by wind and sea.
“We were clear from the outset that we wanted to create a building of its place, with the design drawing inspiration from local landscapes and culture, alongside the nature of the marina lifestyle. The team wanted to re-imagine the yacht club as a modern concept, a home from home for nautical enthusiasts from all backgrounds, from leisure to elite sport,” said Dan Flower, HKS design director and lead architect for Amaala Yacht Club.
The second inspiration is drawn from mankind’s relationship with the sea and maritime history. This nautical edge will ensure the building sits seamlessly within the marina as a central hub and focal point.
Alongside the ‘sea meets land’ concept, the design references the look of a traditional Arabian house, with a simple smooth white exterior that is cut back to reveal luxurious metal. Internally it features a rich palette of natural and locally sourced materials, such as stone, timber and leather.
“Amaala offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape a new tourism destination and a new home for yachting on the Red Sea. It is a privilege to be involved as designers of this iconic yacht club, which is a centrepiece for the marina and set to evolve guest experience,” explained Kevin Underwood, global head of hospitality at HKS.
“We brought together the global expertise of our firm, using our experience of creating luxury destinations to create something truly innovative and contemporary. Sustainability in all aspects is at the heart of our design, seamlessly integrating the building with the stunning mountain and marine landscape of the Red Sea,” he added.
Covering 7,900m² (85,000ft²) and arranged on four levels, the ultra-luxurious club is set to create a home from home for its members whether to do business, relax, entertain or take part in a calendar of yachting events.
Arrival is a key moment for guests by land or water, with the entrance set within an arch that forms a shaded plaza and frames dramatic views to the Red Sea. The area has a mirrored vaulted ceiling over a star-lit floor which creates an alternative night sky for guests in the evening.
The interior of the club, also designed by HKS, along with the landscaping detail, is as visually stimulating as the exterior, with unparalleled attention to detail to ensure guests remain connected to the landscapes around them. Utilising local materials, with a focus on stone, timber and metals, and embracing a luxurious, yet authentic brass champagne colour scheme, the lounges and restaurant blend seamlessly together with an infinity loop-like shape throughout.
Complementing the yacht club’s functions, the 10ha (25 acre) basin hosts a 120-berth marina for yachts up to 130m (430ft) in length, and is designed for residents as well as yachting events, regattas and launches. Deepwater superyacht berths, fuel dock and personalised service ensure Triple Bay’s future rating as a destination for visiting superyachts, international regattas and domestic cruising.
Set across 4,155km² (1,604mi²), and due to welcome first guests in 2024, Triple Bay spans three natural bays along the coastline. The destination is designed to create a one-of-a-kind global wellness hub and is underpinned by a commitment to sustainability. The whole development is targeting a minimum LEED Gold standard for environmental sustainability.
Phase One of Triple Bay is on track to complete in 2024. It consists of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys and will also feature a range of luxury food and beverage outlets, retail and leisure facilities.
Work is well underway with more than 1,000 workers already on site. More than 250 contracts for the project have been awarded to date. An RFP for the Utilities PPP has been issued to the market to ensure the development meets its sustainability ambitions. The destination will be off grid, powered solely by renewable energy.