Anadu Pine Villa is situated in a secluded valley a two-hour drive from Shanghai, China, enveloped by pine forests and shielded by a mountain draped in bamboo. This boutique resort by Studio8 Architects comprises three elegantly designed guest suites, complemented by a refined wine and cigar bar. In line with Anadu’s philosophy of ‘Find yourself in nature,’ the practice’s objective — from planning to architectural design — was to showcase and harmonize with the unique beauty of the forests.

The buildings are thoughtfully positioned along the valley’s contours, each oriented to capture unique views. At the entrance, a bamboo-textured, concrete and charred black wood L-shaped gate harmoniously merges with the landscape, welcoming guests with open arms while embracing the greenery on one side.

Anadu Pine Villa is enveloped by pine forests and shielded by a mountain draped in bamboo

studio8 architects’ design echoes the old structure’s character

Originally, an abandoned old house stood where Anadu Pine Villa’s wine house now sits. To honor the site’s history, Shanghai-based Studio8 Architects’ new building echoes the old structure’s gabled roof, redesigned into a four-sloped form that creates a harmonious, tranquil scale from every angle. In pleasant weather, glass doors can be fully opened to integrate the plaza into the indoor space. The walls are entirely glass, maximizing the views, while the northeast dining area faces a quieter hillside, and the semi-enclosed lounge provides a more private atmosphere.

A curved bamboo-textured wall leads guests from the wine house to the guest area, where the hard ground transitions into soft gravel paths, evoking a vacation atmosphere. At the path’s end, a small plaza provides a moment of pause before entering the guest area, enhancing the sense of seclusion. The three minimal standalone structures sit quietly in the valley, surrounded by the forest. Facing staggered walls that obscure the rear of the space, guests are invited to imagine what lies beyond.

two concrete slabs face the valley with no obstructions

the concrete villas frame views of the valley

As guests walk through the courtyard and winding paths, they experience a series of mysterious moments before reaching the guest rooms. Upon entering, the view dramatically opens up — two concrete slabs face the valley with no obstructions. The interior flows seamlessly with 270-degree panoramic views, offering a fully immersive experience. The rooms are embraced by nature on three sides, each framing its own unique view. To keep the structure minimal, Studio8 Architects cast the buildings from exposed concrete with integrated beams and embedded piping, ensuring no visible ceiling beams, lighting fixtures, or suspended structures. The clean concrete slabs unify the space. The floor slab floats above the valley, respecting and connecting with the terrain, while appearing to hover above it.

Through the glass doors, each room opens onto a private backyard in the pine forest — a floating outdoor deck, offering a further connection to the valley. The eaves extend into a shaded area, blending the indoors with nature. Further, the landscape design softens the boundaries between the estate and its surroundings, using native valley plants to integrate seamlessly into the environment. Discreet lighting, resembling fireflies, dots the pathways and grounds, enhancing the serene, secluded atmosphere.

the boutique resort comprises three elegantly designed guest suites, complemented by a refined wine and cigar bar

Much of the woodwork is crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from local markets, with 80% of the pieces handcrafted by skilled artisans. This repurposed wood is meticulously shaped to harmonize with the scale and spirit of its surroundings, subtly enhancing the preservation and continuation of local craftsmanship. The estate’s design balances privacy with openness, providing a joyful and surprising spatial experience. With just one valley and three exclusive retreats, whether for a gathering with friends or a solo escape, the serene power of the pine forest and the architectural simplicity create a harmonious connection. The buildings quietly retreat into the landscape, offering a peaceful, secluded getaway.

to honor the site’s history, the new building echoes the old structure’s elements

Studio8 Architects thoughtfully positions each building along the valley’s contours

much of the woodwork is crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from local markets

the interior flows seamlessly with 270-degree panoramic views, offering a fully immersive experience

through the glass doors, each room opens onto a private backyard in the pine forest

the estate’s design balances privacy with openness

discreet lighting, resembling fireflies, dots the pathways and grounds, enhancing the secluded atmosphere

situated in a secluded valley a two-hour drive from Shanghai, China

project info:

name: Anadu Pine Villa
architect: Studio8 Architects | @studio8.architects

location: China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

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The dubbed world’s biggest LEGOLAND resort opens in Shanghai, China, with building models made of blocks. Located in Fengjing Town, Jinshan District, the first LEGOLAND resort in the country covers 318,000 square meters, with eight themed areas, more than 75 rides, shows, and attractions, plus thousands of LEGO models made from over 85 million LEGO bricks. The grand opening week spans between July 5th and 13th, 2025, and visitors during this period can watch the live daily shows that the resort hosts.

A theme park with cultural architecture, the LEGOLAND resort in Shanghai, China, demonstrates buildings and motifs referring to the Chinese culture, like the boat ride that shows the LEGO versions of old Chinese water towns and modern Shanghai. Everything in the scenery is made from LEGO bricks, and it is 25 times smaller than the real buildings. There’s also a LEGO Monkie Kid live show exhibiting the dubbed world’s largest LEGO minifigure, as well as two new areas built just for the LEGOLAND resort in Shanghai, China: the Brick Street and the Bricktopia.

all images courtesy of Merlin Entertainments

world’s biggest LEGOLAND resort in shanghai, china

Throughout the LEGOLAND resort and theme park in Shanghai, China, there are six large restaurants, lots of smaller food stands, and around ten retail stores, spread across the entire area. Each location follows the brick theme, with places like Pigsy’s Food Court, CITY Restaurant, and Bricks Family Restaurant serving meals on LEGO-themed plates and cups. The food stands around the park also offer LEGO-themed snacks, such as LEGO brick-shaped ice cream. Aside from being the world’s largest LEGOLAND resort at the time of publishing, this theme park in Shanghai, China, houses The BIG Shop, which is also considered the largest LEGO store in Asia.

Inside the store, visitors can go through and own the brand’s toys, sets, clothing, and souvenirs, as well as limited-edition items that can only be found in Shanghai. The design team also constructed the LEGOLAND Hotel next to the theme park in case they want to stay on-site. The grand opening of this resort in Shanghai, China, came after years of collaborative work between the LEGO Group, Merlin Entertainments, and local government and businesses. The LEGOLAND resort and theme park in Shanghai, China, is now open, and it also hosted the start of the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival during the opening, which is a summer tourism initiative by the local government, running from July 5th, the same opening date of the theme park, until August 31st, 2025.

the dubbed world’s biggest LEGOLAND resort opens in Shanghai, China

the resort covers 318,000 square meters, with eight themed areas and more than 75 rides

view of the opening on July 5th, 2025

the grand opening week spans between July 5th and 13th, 2025

project info:

name: LEGOLAND Resort 

location: Fengjing Town, Jinshan District, Shanghai, China

companies: LEGO Group, Merlin Entertainments | @lego

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Athita Pool Villa and Spa, designed by Studio Miti, draws upon vernacular Thai architectural principles to inform its layout and material choices. Located in Chiang Saen, a historic town along the Mekong River, the project adopts traditional design language to integrate with its surrounding context while maintaining a clear programmatic organization. The architectural layout references the organic structure of local settlements, particularly the irregular yet navigable street patterns of Chiang Saen. This approach is applied to the hotel’s internal circulation, where pathways echo the community’s meandering alleys, enhancing spatial continuity without imposing symmetry. The arrangement intentionally avoids strict formalism, instead favoring a system that supports spatial layering and calm movement throughout the site.

The design is divided into two main architectural typologies: brick volumes and timber-clad structures. The brick volumes, placed at the front of the site, house public functions including the spa and massage facilities. These elements act as a buffer between the street and the more private pool villas located deeper within the property. The use of brick references ancient city walls and religious structures found throughout the region. These walls also provide visual and acoustic insulation, contributing to the retreat-like character of the site.

all images by Pirak Anurakyawachon – Spaceshift Studio

Brick and timber construct Athita Pool Villa and Spa

The private villas are enclosed by vertical timber louver panels, an adaptation of traditional Chiang Saen house facades. These panels enable controlled privacy while allowing filtered light and ventilation. The semi-open character of the villas supports a connection to the exterior environment, offering views of the sky and maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Both brick and timber elements are constructed using updated methods, allowing traditional materials to be expressed through a contemporary architectural lens. Rather than replicating historical styles, Studio Miti’s design team employs these elements as frameworks for reinterpretation, aligning the building with its historical and cultural setting while maintaining functional clarity.

Athita Pool Villa and Spa extends the architectural direction of ‘Athita: The Hidden Court Chiang Saen Boutique Hotel’ and continues its emphasis on spatial calm and contextual relevance. The project situates new construction within a landscape of continuity, reinforcing material familiarity and formal restraint.

brick volumes mark the public-facing edge of Athita Pool Villa and Spa

brick walls evoke the region’s ancient religious structures

circulation paths mimic the meandering alleys of local settlements

vertical wooden panels reinterpret traditional house facades

public areas are positioned as a buffer along the site’s front edge

villas are oriented to maintain visual and acoustic privacy

the spa and massage areas occupy the site’s brick volumes

materials reflect the character of Chiang Saen’s built heritage

the design references the organic street patterns of Chiang Saen

vernacular Thai architectural forms inform the building’s spatial logic

project info:

name: Athita pool villa and spa

architect: Studio Miti | @studiomiti_official

location: Chiang Saen, Thailand

lead architect: Mr. Padirmkiat Sukkan

design team: Mr. Thanwa Chantarasena, Ms. Suchanat Konggamnert, Mr. Thanai Mahakaew

interior team: Ms. Narinrat Chaichat, Ms. Praphavaree Khongchum

structural engineer: Mr. Chiwat Kaewkam, Mr. Phitsanu Bumroong

electrical engineer: Mr. Wutthikrai Srisukho

sanitary engineer: Ms. Siriluk Konkaew
photographer: Pirak Anurakyawachon – Spaceshift Studio | @spaceshiftstudio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Perched on the rocky slopes of Greece’s Akra Pelegri with sweeping views over Souda Bay, the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa opens its doors, marking the brand’s first presence on the island. The 160-room resort is brought to life by architecture studio Block722 and is operated by SWOT Hospitality. 

The 13,600-square-meter development is designed to follow the natural terrain and stretches across nearly 60,000 square meters of rugged Cretan land. Local materials, including stone and aggregates sourced directly from the site, shape the walls and structural elements, creating a sense that the buildings are part of the earth itself. The architecture is clean and sculptural, rooted in texture, shadow, and natural light. The resort embraces what the design team calls ‘slow living,’ inviting guests to settle into the rhythms of the island.

all images by George Pappas, unless stated otherwise

Greek architectural references shape the project

From the moment you arrive, the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa sets the tone with a layered approach. The entrance opens onto a planted square, Athens-based Block722’s take on a traditional village ‘plateia’, that immediately roots you in place. From there, the resort is revealed slowly as you move through a series of framed views and architectural thresholds.

Inside, natural light spills in from a central skylight, filtering through a lobby lush with greenery. The interplay of nature and structure continues through the bar, the restaurant, and the JW Market, all shaded by large pergolas, elements that nod to ancient Greek architecture while providing comfort from the Mediterranean sun.

Throughout the shared spaces in the resort, there’s a balance between clean, geometric lines and a grounded, earthy texture. Wood, stone, and woven elements bring softness and warmth, while the ever-changing light adds movement and depth. Shading structures made from natural fibers keep things cool while referencing traditional craftsmanship. At the center of it all, a still, reflective pool wraps around sunken seating areas reached by stepping stones.

the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa opens its doors

homes that belong to the hillside

As guests make their way up the hillside, the energy of the shared spaces gradually gives way to a sense of calm and privacy. The rooms, a mix of single- and two-story structures, open to unobstructed sea views, shaded terraces, and planted rooftops that dissolve the buildings into the terrain. Private plunge pools are integrated into the slope, helping to cool the microclimate and echo the rhythms of the site.

The interior design continues the conversation with the outdoors through a palette of raw linen, terracotta, ceramics, rattan, and timber. Every piece of furniture and finish is crafted in close collaboration with Cretan artisans and sourced from nearby workshops, giving tangible form to the resort’s deep respect for place. 

Block722’s thorough regenerative approach is applied across environmental systems, including green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and a well for water sourcing. Passive strategies, such as natural cross-ventilation, deep pergolas, and optimal orientation, help maintain thermal comfort while reducing energy demand. The planting scheme, developed with Doxiadis+, uses exclusively native, drought-tolerant species that encourage biodiversity and eliminate unnecessary irrigation.

private plunge pools are integrated into the slope

the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa sets the tone with a layered approach | image by Ana Santl

still, reflective pool wraps around sunken seating areas reached by stepping stones

shading structures made from natural fibers keep things cool

elements nod to ancient Greek architecture | image by Ana Santl

the rooms are a mix of single- and two-story structures

the 160-room resort is brought to life by architecture studio Block722 | image by Ana Santl

the resort embraces what the design team calls ‘slow living’ | image by Ana Santl

inviting guests to settle into the rhythms of the island | image by Ana Santl

, the resort is revealed slowly as you move through a series of framed views | image by Ana Santl

the interplay of nature and structure continues through the bar | image by Ana Santl

wood, stone, and woven elements bring softness and warmth | image by Ana Santl

the ever-changing light adds movement | image by Ana Santl

project info:

name: JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa | @jwmarriottcreteresort
architect: Block722 | @block722architects

location: Marathi, Crete, Greece

plot area: 59,700 square meters

built area: 13,600 square meters

client: Marriott Hotels & Resorts

interior design: Block722
creative direction: Block722

block722 team leads: Sotiris Tsergas, Katja Margaritoglou, Christina Kontou, Elena Milidaki

design team: Apostolos Karastamatis, Eirini Tsakalaki, Danai Lazaridi, Electra Polyzou, Marilena Michalopoulou, Xenia Bouranta, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Tzemil Moustafoglou, Gregory Bodiotis

landscape design: Doxiadis + | @doxiadisplus

planting consultant: M&M Constructions Ltd

lighting design: L+DG Lighting Architects | @ldglightingarchitects

structural engineer: PLINTH

MEP engineer: Agapalakis & Associates L.P.

spa & wellness consultants: Eminence Hospitality, Andrew Gibson

art direction: Block722, Efi Spyrou | @efispyrou
styling: Priszcilla Varga

visualizations: Block722

photography: Ana Santl | @iamnotana

aerial photography & video: George Pappas

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Located along the coastline of Himare, Albania, ZigZag Resort is designed by JA Joubert Architecture in collaboration with UNS Architects. The resort adopts a linear zigzag configuration that follows the existing topography, maintaining views across the site while minimizing alteration to the landscape. The formal strategy enables each unit to engage with its surroundings without obstructing others, preserving both visual and environmental continuity.

The design incorporates passive environmental strategies, including solar orientation and natural ventilation, to reduce energy demand. Rainwater is managed through integrated systems, supporting on-site ecological balance. Locally sourced Berat stone is used in the construction, selected for its durability and relevance to regional building traditions.

all images courtesy of JA Joubert Architecture and UNS Architects

ZigZag Resort’s Architecture in Dialogue with Landscape

Circulation throughout the resort is organized to facilitate intuitive movement. Vertical transitions between terraces, gardens, and pools are addressed through integrated pathways and a funicular system. These connections are designed to provide access across levels while limiting impact on the terrain. Drop-off points and circulation routes are planned to separate guest pathways from service areas.

Interior spaces extend outward into gardens, decks, and terraces, maintaining a continuous spatial experience. Infinity pools blend with the coastline, and private coastal access deepens the resort’s connection with its surroundings. The architectural approach emphasizes a cohesive relationship between building and site, aligning structural and material decisions with the existing conditions of the coastal landscape. ‘Architecture should not dominate the land; it should respond to it,’ explains Marc Joubert, founder of JA Joubert Architecture.

ZigZag Resort stretches along the Himare coastline, following the natural terrain

the resort’s linear zigzag form preserves site topography and uninterrupted views

architecture and landscape interlock without major disruption to the land

each unit is oriented to maintain privacy and maximize coastal exposure

infinity pools align with the sea, extending the horizon visually

terraced forms create a stepped rhythm across the site’s slope

circulation pathways connect terraces, gardens, and guest spaces

garden terraces extend directly from interior spaces

outdoor decks and loggias are part of the continuous spatial layout

the architecture emphasizes environmental continuity and local adaptation

JA Joubert Architecture aims for a design that responds to the land

the resort’s terraced form merges with the coastal landscape

an infinity pool carved into the hillside provides an uninterrupted view of the Albanian Riviera

project info:

name: ZIG ZAG

architects: JA Joubert Architecture | @ja_joubertarchitecture, UNS Architects | @unsarchitects
design team: Marc Joubert, Foti Prifti, Erjon Gjyli & Team, Images: Vero Universe
location: Himare, Albania

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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e.Re studio architects builds Lenirra Villa, a small-scale resort development situated on a mountainside adjacent to expansive rice fields, approximately two hours from Jakarta. The architectural approach focuses on integrating built structures within the existing natural context to preserve and enhance the site’s environmental characteristics.

The design organizes the villas as separate building volumes connected by a network of pedestrian pathways. These pathways are embedded within the landscape and follow natural contours, creating spatial sequences and visual connections throughout the site.

the built area occupies a small portion of land, preserving its surrounding paddy field | all images courtesy of e.Re studio architects

e.Re studio architects composes stone and exposed brick facades

Material selection by e.Re studio architects’ team emphasizes a natural palette, including stone, exposed brick facades, and dark-toned roof shingles. These materials are chosen to establish a contrast with the surrounding vegetation while maintaining coherence with the site’s rural character.

A key component of Lenirra Villa project is the retention and incorporation of the existing rice fields as both landscape feature and experiential element. This includes the integration of a small river that traverses the site, serving as a functional overflow channel for excess irrigation water from the adjacent paddies. This strategy supports the continued operation of local agricultural systems while contributing to the resort’s environmental character.

pathway to the villa is shaped and marked by natural elements

landscape design visually and physically connects the blocks of separated buildings

the roof extends down as an exterior facade to reduce daylight and sun heat

stone benches form a circular gathering area around the bonfire

the guest villa features terracotta brick, stone, and bitumen sheet roof shingles

asymmetrical gabled roofs define the villas’ architectural language

lush greenery contrasts with exposed terracotta brick facades

man-made channel directs excess water from nearby rice fields, doubling as a landscape feature

dark-toned roof shingles contrast with green surroundings

project info:

name: lenirra villa
architect: e.Re studio architects | @erwin_regina

location: Jakarta, Indonesia

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Rising from the verdant mountainside of Dhërmi, Albania, Bofill Taller de Arquitectura’s Red Sol Resort commands attention with its bold hue and fortress-like silhouette. From afar, the striking geometric massing appears to float above the lush terrain. Winding exterior stairways, rooftop terraces, and dramatic walkways carve out a labyrinthine journey through the cascading volumes of the resort, offering guests a variety of vantage points overlooking the shimmering Ionian Sea.

all images courtesy of Bofill Taller de Arquitectura

stairs, bridges, and pathways define Red Sol Resort in albania

Designing for the Albanian Riviera, the Spanish firm Bofill Taller de Arquitectura begins by addressing its formidable topography: jagged rock formations, steep mountain slopes, and dense undergrowth rooted by pine and cypress trees. Red Sol Resort responds by overlaying a precise fine grid on the ground plane, organizing a series of squares in a plan that systematically adapts to the challenging contours of the site. In section, these volumes shift up and down, producing the diverse spatial qualities needed for the hotel pavilions, apartments, and villas of the resort.

As the architecture zigzags down toward the water, its vertical movement mirrors the rhythm of the surrounding mountains. Painted in a vivid earthy red, the resort with its fortress-like presence contrasts with the green and blue around. Interconnected by a network of exterior stairs, bridges, and pathways, the various blocks include pools, patios, and secluded lookouts. 

the resort rises from the verdant mountainside of Dhërmi, Albania

Red Sol Resort commands attention with its bold hue and fortress-like silhouette

winding exterior stairways, rooftop terraces, and dramatic walkways carve out a labyrinthine journey

offering guests a variety of vantage points

Bofill Taller de Arquitectura begins by addressing the topography

Red Sol Resort responds to the terrain by overlaying a precise, fine grid on the ground plane

a series of squares systematically adapts to the challenging contours

from afar, the striking geometric massing appears to float above the lush terrain

project info:

name: Red Sol Resort

architects: Bofill Taller de Arquitectura | @bofillarquitectura

location: Dhërmi, Albania

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French architecture studio Raum completes the renovation and extension of a public swimming pool and spa in Saint-Méen-Le-Grand, a small town in Brittany. Addressing the increasing demands of residents and young learners, the project introduces a sports pool and aqua-leisure area while restructuring the existing leisure pool. 

The design team builds upon the existing cluster of compact wood and slate structures found on the site, unifying them under a thermally insulated black wooden skin. This material enhances the energy performance of the building, establishing, at the same time, a clear visual identity within the heterogeneous context. Inside, the new pool area opens generously to the landscape, with a solid volume appearing to float above the space.

all images © Charles Bouchaïb, unless stated otherwise

consistent materiality and color scheme tie elements together

Situated near a listed heritage building, the Nantes-based studio Raum balances restoration and expansion, ensuring environmental and architectural continuity. Informed by a resource-conscious approach, the renovation strategy preserves as much of the original superstructure as possible. Three key principles guide the intervention: adapting to the volumetric diversity of the existing buildings, reinforcing structural coherence through an insulated envelope, and enhancing spatial connections to the topography of the site. 

The existing buildings were carefully studied to identify embedded volumetric qualities, ensuring the transformation remained coherent and sensitive to its surroundings. Interior spaces follow the same logic, with a unified material palette ensuring harmony between old and new elements. Exposed structural layers and a curated color scheme reveal the building’s evolution over time. This design approach extends to the exterior, where the varied outer volumes are unified through consistent materiality.

Raum completes the renovation and extension of a public swimming pool and spa in Brittany

the project introduces a sports pool and aqua-leisure area while restructuring the existing leisure pool

the new pool area opens generously to the landscape

Raum builds upon the existing cluster of compact wood and slate structures found on the site

large windows allow swimmers enjoy the view

the renovation strategy preserves as much of the original superstructure as possible

adapting to the volumetric diversity of the existing buildings

exposed structural layers reveal the building’s evolution

the new pool is located inside a solid volume that appears to float

project info:

name: Renovation and extension of a public swimming pool and spa in Britanny
architect: Raum | @atelier.raum
location: Saint-Méen-Le-Grand, Brittany, France

photographer: Charles Bouchaïb | @charles_bouchaib

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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Oppenheim Architecture’s Desert Rock resort in the Hejaz Mountains, Saudi Arabia, finally opens. It is part of the Red Sea Project, dubbed the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism development currently under construction on the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast. The Desert Rock is the recently completed architecture on site. The team has designed it as a resort nestled within the ancient mountains of Hejaz in the region of western Saudi Arabia and along the Red Sea coast. Oppenheim Architecture draws inspiration from the Nabataean civilization, which once inhabited the Arabian Peninsula and is renowned for its rock-carved architecture.

Visitors arrive at a hidden valley, which is the access point to the resort. The architecture sprawls across 30,000 square meters of land. The accommodations range from ground-level villas to suites embedded within the mountains. All of them benefit from natural light as they are raised from the ground as well as due to the large openings of the windows to mimic the cave mouths. Oppenheim Architecture says that the construction of the Desert Rock resort, now open to the public, has not obstructed the historic Hejaz Mountains.

all images courtesy of Red Sea Global and Oppenheim Architecture

Accommodations from cliff hanging to hidden villas

Oppenheim Architecture has worked with the developer Red Sea Global for the completion of the Desert Rock resort in Saudi Arabia. It has different villas with varying design features. The Wadi Villas have private pools and spacious living areas. There are also Cliff Hanging Villas that perch high above the resort for aerial views. For more private spaces, visitors can stay in the Mountain Cave Suites and Mountain Crevice Villas. They have cliffside pools suspended on the edges of the Massif. As for the Royal Villa, it cocoons in one part of the valley for a private retreat.

For the construction of the Desert Rock, Oppenheim Architecture says to have repurposed excavated materials. The architectural team then adds that they have used ‘passive cooling and efficient systems to reduce energy consumption’ and native plants to embed greenery within the rocky spaces. ‘By respecting and enhancing the natural environment, we have created a sanctuary that allows guests to experience the beauty and power of the landscape in deeply personal and meaningful ways,’ says Chad Oppenheim, Founding Principal of Oppenheim Architecture. 

the architecture graces within 30,000 square meters of land

visitors arrive at a hidden valley, which is the access point to the resort

in detail, the Cliff Hanging Villas perch high above the resort for aerial views

there are also private spaces such as rooms with cliffside pools suspended on the edges of the Massif

the accommodations range from ground-level villas to suites embedded within the mountains

Oppenheim Architecture says to have repurposed excavated materials for the construction

project info:

name: Desert Rock

architects: Oppenheim Architecture | @oppenheimarchitecture

developer: Red Sea Global | @redseaglobal

location: Saudi Arabia

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Located in the village of El Cuyo, Yucatán, Mexico, The Trillium by Awakening is a villa designed by Awakening, Fernando Artigas, and Jorge Berea as one of the Awakening Sanctuary retreat accommodation sites. The project embraces a nature-focused approach to hospitality, placing sustainability and comfort at the heart of its design.

At its core is a bamboo dome, whose organic design mirrors the surrounding jungle. This feature underscores the architects’ commitment to creating harmony between the structure and its verdant setting. Bamboo columns provide structural support while showcasing the use of renewable materials. Locally sourced plaster and stone finish the petal-shaped roofs and flooring, grounding the design in its regional context. Inside, the villa prioritizes energy efficiency and natural comfort. Cross-ventilation eliminates the need for air conditioning, while passive lighting strategies maximize natural light. 

all images by Santiago Baravalle, courtesy of Awakening, Fernando Artigas, and Jorge Berea

private spaces flow into The Trillium by Awakening’s social areas

Upon entering The Trillium by Awakening, visitors are greeted by a bamboo-encased spiral staircase. The architect team sets this central element as the functional and symbolic core of the villa, diffusing natural light into the interiors while connecting the social and private spaces. 

The bedrooms are designed with relaxation and sustainability in mind. Large windows frame jungle views, allowing occupants to feel immersed in the surrounding landscape. Each room features a centrally placed bed that maximizes the vistas, along with private bathrooms finished with natural materials. The layout effortlessly flows into the villa’s shared spaces, creating a smooth transition from intimate retreats to social areas. The social zones are crafted to foster connection and relaxation. The swimming pool and jacuzzi are positioned at the edge of the property, offering uninterrupted views of the lush environment, while a spacious deck with lounge chairs enhances the experience, inviting guests to unwind amidst nature.

The Trillium by Awakening is as one of the Awakening Sanctuary retreat sites

at its core is a petal-shaped bamboo dome

the project embraces a nature-focused approach to hospitality

bamboo columns provide structural support

the organic design mirrors the surrounding jungle

the swimming pool and jacuzzi are positioned at the edge of the property

the bedrooms are designed with relaxation and sustainability in mind

a spacious deck with lounge chairs enhances the relaxing experience

the social zones are crafted to foster connection and relaxation

project info:

name: The Trillium by Awakening | @awakeningtrillium

architect: Awakening Experiencias | @awakeningsanctuary

location: San Manuel km 11, Tizimín, Yucatán, México

design team: Awakening Experiencias, Fernando Artigas, Jorge Berea

interior design: Awakening Experiencias
bamboo design, structure, engineering, construction, and project execution: Arq. Felipe Alejandro de la Cruz Urtilla and Martin Löffler

technical team: Felipe Alejandro de la Cruz Urtilla

civil engineer: Felipe Alejandro de la Cruz Urtilla
architectural concept & design: Awakening Experiencias

owners and visionaries: Awakening Experiencias Founders: Martin Löffler and Adriana Chardi

client: Awakening Sanctuary

photographer: Santiago Baravalle | @santiago.baravalle

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