Physical Healing Resort

This project aims to establish the Physical Healing Resort in Altaif, Alshafa, Saudi Arabia, designed to offer a comprehensive wellness experience for both locals and visitors. The resort is a sprawling 111,132 sq.m facility set amidst the lush green mountains of Alshafa, crafted with a holistic approach to health that integrates physical, mental, and social well-being into an all-encompassing rejuvenation journey.

Saudi Arabia's focus on enhancing quality of life and sustainability is exemplified by the Physical Healing Resort in Altaif, Alshafa. This eco-friendly facility offers a holistic wellness experience with amenities such as a spa, gym, therapy clinic, meditation areas, library, workshops, shops, restaurants, chalets, and vibrant community spaces.

The architectural design of the resort reflects its commitment to holistic health, inspired by a three-pronged focus on physical, mental, and social care. The inspiration for the three-pointed star shape based on the mountainous terrain and the three points of holistic health principles. firtly,This layout respects the natural contours of the land and prioritizes the environment by intentionally spacing the buildings apart to preserve the natural terrain rather than disrupting it. By creating pathways that encourage walkability, the design supports physical health. Interconnected walkways and stairs promote physical activity, aligning with the resort's emphasis on physical well-being. Additionally, the varying levels of the buildings offer unobstructed, picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing mental health by immersing guests in nature. The design fosters social interaction through thoughtfully designed common areas that encourage connection among guests. Furthermore, it allows natural airflow and daylight between the buildings, improving the internal environment. Golf carts are available for guests with mobility challenges, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity while supporting social interaction.
The resort’s entrances and layout have been thoughtfully designed to include various access points, ensuring a seamless experience for different user groups while maintaining the resort's tranquility. To further enhance physical healing, the resort integrates specialized therapy and rehabilitation facilities within its design, offering tailored programs to support recovery and overall well-being.

- Structural Studies:
The resort features two main structural systems: the flat slab system, used in most spaces due to its cost-effectiveness and design convenience; and the steel frame system, employed where larger spans are required. This approach ensures efficient support and minimizes visual obstruction.

- Façade System:
To maximize natural light penetration and minimize heat gain, a combination of curtain wall façades with integrated wooden shades is used. The shades not only control light levels but also enhance aesthetics. Additionally, the façade design incorporates an efficiency louver system to modulate light and reduce glare and heat, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and cooling systems.

- Environmental Aspects:

1. Sustainable Materials: Locally sourced materials are used throughout the project, including sustainable wood for shading devices and structural components.
2. Daylighting Strategies: Skylights and clerestories allow natural light to enter deep into the building, while double skin façades and side openings ensure optimal light penetration.
3. Passive Cooling Strategies: Greenery indoors provides evaporative cooling, while outdoor greenery create a cooler breeze through the building's openings.
4. Shading Devices: Wooden shades on terraces and louvers on small to medium-sized openings control heat gain and glare.
5. Natural Ventilation Strategies: Skylights and double skin façades facilitate natural ventilation through stack effect and solar chimney principles.
6. Renewable Energy: Solar panels are installed to harness clean energy, reducing the resort's carbon footprint. The use of renewable energy sources aligns with the overall sustainable design approach, contributing to the resort’s long-term environmental performance.

- Sustainable Features:

. Skylight cooling system to reduce artificial lighting and cooling needs
. Solar panels for clean energy generation
. Use of sustainable materials (wood) throughout the project