Harmony Resort

Harmony Resort is a private retreat north of Jeddah, combining accommodation, gathering spaces and outdoor recreation within a desert setting. The project brings architecture and landscape into a single site plan, with the principal building set among planted areas, arrival routes and sports facilities.

The brief provides for gatherings of up to 160 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces. The main planning task is to accommodate that scale of use while distinguishing guest arrival, shared activities and more private areas. Architecture, interiors and landscape form part of the project scope.

Location          North Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Client            Private
Type              Private Desert Resort and Farm
Site Area         120,000 m²
Capacity          160 guests
Status            Phase One Complete
Year              2023
Principal         Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji
Scope             Architecture, Landscape, Interior Design, Equestrian Track, Tennis, Padel, Farm

Evening visualization of Harmony Resort with illuminated openings beyond the desert planting. © INJ Architects

The design diagrams show two interlocking volumes arranged around an internal courtyard. Pitched roof planes descend toward the ground, while selected upper surfaces are conceived as accessible extensions of the circulation. This geometry connects the occupied rooms to the protected space between them.

Visualization of the palm-lined approach and the resort building beyond. © INJ Architects

Roof and floor are explored as a continuous sequence rather than separate horizontal layers. The section creates changes in height, outlook and enclosure along the route through the building. Recesses and covered areas provide shade at particular thresholds without relying on an unverified claim of year-round thermal comfort.

Elevated visualization showing the main approach, resort building and surrounding desert ground. © INJ Architects

The landscape programme includes tennis and padel facilities, an equestrian track, walking routes and farm areas. Their placement distinguishes the main arrival from recreation and movement around the wider site. Palm planting and paths give the grounds a more defined scale around the building.

Visualization of the enclosed sports court with lighting and palm planting. © INJ Architects

Inside, the programme separates gathering areas from supporting rooms and circulation. The courtyard provides an inward orientation, while openings maintain views toward the surrounding grounds. Changes in ceiling height and the geometry of the connecting spaces contribute to the sequence from arrival to occupation.

Diagram exploring the continuity between roof surfaces, floors and enclosed activity spaces. © INJ Architects

Exploded diagram of living spaces and mezzanine connections within the interlocking plan. © INJ Architects

Circulation diagram tracing the proposed route across accessible roof surfaces. © INJ Architects

Diagram placing the building and its landscaped interior spaces within the wider plot. © INJ Architects

Plan diagrams showing the internal courtyard and the orientation of living spaces toward it. © INJ Architects

Massing diagrams showing intersecting blocks and roof planes pitched toward the ground. © INJ Architects

Aerial visualization of the planted arrival route, resort building and sports court. © INJ Architects

The relationship between concrete surfaces, roof profiles and planted ground is central to the architectural proposal. Long-term upkeep, irrigation and the performance of exposed materials remain practical requirements of a desert retreat, rather than matters resolved by appearance alone.

Plans, sections and a wireframe model documenting the resort and landscape arrangement. © INJ Architects

The project record identifies the first phase as complete. The images shown here explain the design through visualizations and drawings. Related work addressing collective outdoor space includes Border Guard Officers’ Club.