DATA SHEET
Commissioned by the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU)
Architecture and master planning: Shahira Fahmy
Photos: Nour El Refai
AlUla Old Town, a historic oasis inhabited for over 800 years in Saudi Arabia’s arid Wadi Al-Qura desert landscape, once again serves as a restorative sanctuary. This dense labyrinth of mud-brick homes, hundreds of narrow streets, and covered alleys, recognized globally by UNESCO and other international bodies for its significance, is being brought back to life through a cultural and economic regeneration project, aligning with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The Dar Tantora The House Hotel stands as the pilot project for this entire undertaking, involving the restoration and redevelopment of Zone 1 and the transformation of ruins into an eco-lodge boutique hotel. Its design and implementation were a collaborative effort involving heritage architects, engineers, archaeologists, specialists, and led by Shahira Fahmy Architects. All work strictly adhered to socio-economic restoration goals, providing employment for local artisans and businesses, and preserving historical heritage.
A thoroughly vernacular approach guided the revival of ancient construction, shading, and cooling techniques. This included the use of mud bricks – a mix of clay, sand, and straw, renowned for its natural insulating properties – palm leaves for roofing, tamarisk wood for structural elements like beams and doorframes, and local sandstone for flooring. These traditional materials naturally regulate temperature, reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. While modern plumbing and electrical systems are discreetly integrated with minimal impact on the original structures, the ancient qanat irrigation system, a network of underground channels, has also been rehabilitated to transport groundwater from aquifers to the surface by gravity.
The preserved original narrow pathways and interconnected spaces define the hotel’s spatial arrangement, which spans approximately 11,000 square meters and features 30 earth-clad rooms and suites, an infinity pool, a gym, a yoga and meditation studio, a spa, a restaurant, a cigar lounge, and a cafeteria.
Each unit has been meticulously designed, incorporating original architectural elements such as walls adorned with geometric and floral patterns, and traditional door locks. Local handicrafts – from carpets and cushions to wicker baskets and tapestries – were crucial to the restoration process and essential for an authentic aesthetic. Predominantly lit by candles, with minimal electrical integration, the ambiance allows guests to immerse themselves in a special dimension, letting the past whisper its story.
