Latest news with #KillaDesign
CairoScene
14-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saint-Gobain Grand Prix Goes to Saudi's Shebara Island Resort
The innovative prefab design and sustainability of Shebara South Island Resort in Saudi Arabia won the Saint-Gobain Grand Prix. May 14, 2025 Floating in a remote corner of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, the Shebara South Island Resort is a feat of architectural poetry. This year, it earned the Grand Prix at the 14th Saint-Gobain Trophy, an award that has been honouring contractors' inventive uses of Saint-Gobain's drywall solution since 1998. Designed by Killa Design and realised by UAE-based Takla Interior Solution LLC, the resort unfolds as a constellation of sculptural pods, appearing to hover effortlessly above Shaybara Island's untouched coral reefs. This 73-key hyper-luxury retreat lies secluded in the Al Wajh Lagoon, a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland—a logistical challenge that set the tone for every phase of the project. The setting demanded architectural ingenuity. With curving ceilings, dramatic cantilevered terraces, and a form shaped by sensitivity to site and climate, the resort had to withstand high wind pressure, shifting tides, and harsh sea conditions—all while preserving the island's fragile ecosystem. Each gesture in the design had to reconcile beauty with resilience. Prefabricated offsite to reduce impact and achieve near-zero material waste, the villas float lightly on the land, their lightweight Gyproc systems ensuring sustainability without compromise. In Shebara, innovation meets fragility, crafting a luxury destination with a lesson in both architectural ambition and care. Photography Credit: Saint Gobain
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai group teams up with Killa Design for Palm Jumeirah projects
Dubai-based super prime property developer 25 Degrees has partnered with renowned architecture firm Killa Design to create two custom-built ultra-luxury Signature Villas on Palm Jumeirah, redefining the pinnacle of sophisticated waterfront living. The two new beachfront villas will be located close to the tip of one of the Palm's fronds, and will be custom-built from the ground up on a previously empty plot – setting them apart from the renovated, pre-existing villas that dominate Palm Jumeirah's offering. 25 Degrees' partnership with Killa Design comes just a year after the property developer first launched on Palm Jumeirah, highlighting its ambition to become the leading villa brand in the city, said the developer in a statement. Co-founded in 2023 by international investor and entrepreneur Dr. David von Rosen, who invested $80 million+ in the brand upon launch, 25 Degrees is seeking to become the leading and most trusted brand in Dubai for super prime villas. Killa Design is the architectural firm behind some of the Middle East's most iconic buildings, including Dubai's Museum of the Future, the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, Saudi Arabia's Opera House, and Bahrain's World Trade Center. Co-founded by Shaun Killa in 2015, Killa Design has won a series of high-profile industry awards, including Architecture Firm of the Year and the Architecture Master Prize, it stated. The partnership also comes hot on the heels of their first property sale earlier this year, which broke a record for the largest-ever sale of a Garden Villa property on the Palm at $16.9 million. Now, they're looking to break the record for the sale of a Signature Villa property on the Palm through their partnership with Killa Design. "At 25 Degrees, we want to push the boundaries of luxury living and craftsmanship, and with Killa Design's expertise and track record of innovation on board, our next two villas will do just that," remarked David von Rosen. 25 Degrees, he stated, is known for developing super prime properties on Palm Jumeirah to the highest standards of European style and specifications. The brand is catering for the influx of ultra-high-net-worth individuals to the city. These ultra-luxury villas are designed to offer uninterrupted panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and marina. Each villa embodies a distinct identity, one showcasing an interplay of floating planes, textures, and deep layering, while the other displays elegance, with smooth, curvilinear forms flowing into the horizon, he added. According to him, both designs celebrate a balance between indoor and outdoor living, featuring double-height lounges, sculptural staircases, and floor-to-ceiling glazing. These residences have been curated to offer a sensory retreat with infinity pools stretching toward the sea. Sunken seating with reflection pools provides an escape, while cascading water features and sinuous landscaping enhance the villa's serene ambiance. The villas feature both formal and informal living areas. The master suites offer ocean vistas and open into his-and-her spa-inspired bathrooms. The walk-in wardrobes are generously proportioned, blending bespoke craftsmanship with functionality, it added. von Rosen said each villa houses a state-of-the-art home cinema, a fully equipped private gym, a serene spa, and an exclusive car gallery. The rooftop features a private plunge pool, an open-air cinema, and an alfresco gourmet BBQ lounge, all framed by panoramic views of the sea and skyline, he noted. With direct access to the shores of Palm Jumeirah, these villas encapsulate the height of exclusivity and architectural excellence. Setting a new benchmark in ultra-luxury living, 25 Degrees and Killa Design continue to push the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and sophistication in Dubai's most coveted address, he noted. The development process of 25 Degrees' two newest villas is now underway, he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
FACT
05-03-2025
- FACT
FACT Review: The future of luxury travel awaits at Shebara Resort
Few places in the world push the boundaries of hospitality quite like Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea project, and the newly-opened Shebara Resort is a prime example of its visionary ethos. This ultra-futuristic destination is where the natural world fuses with cutting-edge design. An ultra-luxe sanctuary for the elite traveller, bringing Maldives-like living to the Middle East. Positioned on Shebara Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, Shebara Resort offers an escape from the ordinary. The island retreat is accessible via private boat (approximately 35 minutes) or seaplane charter, immediately setting the tone for an exclusive experience. As you approach, the first thing that captures the eye is the architectural marvel of its structures, which appear to float, UFO-like, over the azure waters. This balance between technology and nature is evident from the moment you step onto the island. A curated arrival experience ensures a seamless transition into a world that feels like it has leapt from the pages of a science fiction novel, with its undulating dunes and orb-shaped structures. Shebara Resort has been created by Killa Design (the studio behind Dubai's Museum of the Future), and features sleek villas that seem to hover above the water. Connected by an intricate network of overwater walkways, it's like a string of pearls stretched out across the sea. The mirrored facades reflect the ever-changing hues of the sea and sky, creating an ethereal effect that shifts with the time of day. However, these reflective orbs are very difficult to keep clean due to the natural elements. The resort includes 73 keys, which span beach and overwater villas. The accommodations designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari boast a minimalist yet opulent design, with a free-standing bathtub, a small kitchenette, and a bed that moulds into the very walls of the room. The interiors merge natural colours with modern aesthetics, complementing the floating bowl-shaped infinity pools and private terrace with panoramic views. Nets suspended just above the shallows ensure guests maintain a connection with the surrounding ocean. Moreover, the resort integrates innovative technology at every turn. Doors glide open at the touch of a button, as does the rocket-shaped minibar stocked with Lyre's zero-alcohol products. The rainfall shower features various colours, jets and mists, while a Japanese toilet will make you feel like you're living in the future. Fronted by a futuristic polished metal design, it's all very Jetson space-age chic. Perched on its own private island at the edge of Shebara, the ultra-exclusive Royal Villas Ensemble is a resort within a resort, featuring a dedicated yacht dock and four beachfront orbs that can accommodate up to 14 guests in complete seclusion. The island offers a selection of five high-end restaurants that take inspiration from global culinary traditions while emphasising local, sustainably sourced ingredients. The flagship restaurant, Ariamare, by Michelin-lauded chef Marco Garfagnini, is your go-to for Mediterranean cuisine, where dishes take inspiration from the land and sea around it. If you prefer Japanese cuisine, should be on your restaurant reservations radar. This eatery, with its modern interiors featuring olive green and beige tones, allows you to watch the chefs craft super sushi in the open kitchen. For those who want to sample a bit of everything, Lunara is the perfect place. With views that deserve a pinned post on Instagram, this beachfront restaurant offers a superb setting with its ceiling of studded wood and a bountiful breakfast offering that includes eggs with caviar and chilli crab with a kick. Saria Pool Bar and Grill offers perfect poolside meals featuring grilled specialities, while the adults-only Solera serves a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and shisha alongside dishes curated from the Red Sea and its surrounding landscape. Shebara's immersive activities are tailored to both thrill-seekers and those looking for serene indulgence. For adventure enthusiasts, the diving and snorkelling experiences are unparalleled. The surrounding coral reefs are some of the most pristine in the world, and guests can explore underwater ecosystems teeming with marine life. On land, Shebara's wellness programs take a holistic approach, including bespoke treatments such as the Moonlight Meteorite Massage or Pearl and Green Caviar Signature Hammam. From rejuvenating spa therapies that blend ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology to a running track, padel courts and guided yoga sessions overlooking the horizon, every aspect of well-being is catered to. Shebara Resort provides a glimpse into the future of travel. Every element, from its pioneering architecture and sterling service to its immersive recreation, has been meticulously designed to push the limits of luxury. The result is an escape that feels both exclusive and visionary. Of course, this level of exclusivity comes at a premium price point. Shebara's dedication to sustainability is also noteworthy. The resort's reliance on solar energy and its commitment to minimising its environmental impact are a reminder that luxury and responsibility can coexist. As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global leader in luxury tourism, Shebara Resort stands as a testament to its commitment to redefining the travel experience. While projects like The Line and Trojena still feel distant, Sheabra Resort is tangible and apparent. While there are similar resorts in the vicinity, Shebara Resort is a futuristic masterpiece that's even more stunning in reality than the social media reels would have you believe. GO: Visit for reservations and more information.
