Brief
Rising Retreat is a visionary architectural design project by Yodezeen studio, spanning an impressive 3,000 square meters. This multi-functional complex represents the pinnacle of modern architecture, blending luxurious hospitality with a deep respect for cultural heritage. The retreat features a harmonious combination of a hotel, a culturally immersive restaurant, and a tranquil spa, each space designed to reflect the essence of rich traditions while embracing a contemporary aesthetic. The project aspires to create a landmark destination that integrates high-end design with the natural world, offering guests a profound experience of modern relaxation.
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Challenge
The main challenge for Yodezeen studio was to leverage their extensive experience in residential and commercial architecture to create a retreat that stands out as a unique addition to their portfolio of design projects. The team immersed themselves in the local context, studying the history, flora, and natural phenomena of the region, such as the sun’s cycles and the morning dew. This deep connection with the environment inspired a design that not only honors the architectural history of the area but also introduces innovative design elements that evoke a timeless sense of beauty and serenity.
Layout
The retreat’s layout is an architectural masterpiece, designed to provide guests with a seamless experience of exploration, privacy, and comfort. The hotel, situated at the core of the retreat, features elegantly appointed rooms, a spacious breakfast area, an inviting lounge bar, and a dedicated cigar room. The 360-square-meter restaurant is a celebration of natural and cultural beauty, while the expansive 5,000-square-meter spa offers a serene oasis where guests can immerse themselves in tranquility. The design prioritizes thoughtful space planning, ensuring that all areas flow smoothly and intuitively, enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.
Concept
The concept of Rising Retreat is deeply rooted in the natural world and the cultural essence of the locality. The design draws inspiration from the vivid hues of sunrises and sunsets, capturing the sun’s awakening and its gentle descent. These moments, rich in color and emotion, are reflected throughout the retreat. The soft shadows cast by the sun on human figures add layers of meaning and depth to the spaces. The use of natural materials like wood and stone enhances this connection to nature, while the thoughtful integration of human silhouettes in art pieces throughout the retreat echoes the interplay of light and shadow.
Execution
The lobby, with its striking glass wall of illuminated, undulating glass, serves as the gateway to this extraordinary experience. This custom feature, crafted from blown glass, is just the beginning of the journey. The lobby bar, adorned in warm chocolate tones with red travertine shelves, offers a cozy space to relax, with comfortable chairs inviting guests to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The ceiling in the lobby features an intricate vine-like installation near the elevators, inspired by the organic beauty of nature.
Each zone within the retreat was designed with a unique ceiling concept, adding to the overall aesthetic and experience. The vine stretched near the elevators brings nature indoors, while in other areas, ceilings feature custom designs that play with light and shadow, creating a dynamic visual experience. The cigar lounge, with its rich green tones and custom wooden ceiling, provides an exclusive space for relaxation. Here, a marble artwork depicting human silhouettes adds a conceptual depth that ties back to the theme of light, shadow, and human presence.
The spa, designed to be a destination in itself, features a dark, atmospheric ambiance with a metal ceiling and wooden imprints, creating a sense of intimacy. Guests can gaze at the stars from the pool or unwind on the outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi and bar. The massage rooms are designed for ultimate relaxation, incorporating natural stone and warm textures that echo the retreat’s connection to nature.
The restaurant within Rising Retreat is a modern celebration of rich cultural heritage. Traditional elements are reinterpreted with a contemporary flair — columns with a cracked texture, vine screens on the windows, and an illuminated archway that highlights the natural beauty of the materials used. The reception desk, crafted from sandstone, and the pebble-embedded floor add a tactile connection to the earth, while the woven metal ceiling and recycled barn wood floors reflect the project’s deep respect for heritage and nature.