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"Conceptual rendering of the Red Sea Home floating on the Red Sea, showcasing its sleek facades and glass envelope reflecting the turquoise waters."
"A futuristic floating home on the Red Sea, featuring a modern design that seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural beauty."

Red Sea Home

Project information

Attribute

Details

Location

Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia

Year

2020

Area

250 m² (per unit)

Status

Conceptual Design

Classification

Residential, Research, Sustainability

Style

Modern, Experimental

Introduction

The Red Sea Home, envisioned by INJ Architects under the leadership of Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji, redefines the concept of domestic space by merging architecture with the fluidity of the sea. This project is not merely a house but a philosophical exploration of belonging, safety, and cultural connectivity. Conceived during the introspective period of the 2020 global pandemic, it responds to the human desire for a sanctuary that transcends terrestrial boundaries, offering a dynamic relationship with the natural world. Rooted in the Design and Residential categories, the project challenges conventional notions of home through a bold, imaginative lens.

Site and Contextual Analysis

Located along the pristine Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea Home engages with a unique geographical and cultural context. The Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor, is a nexus of biodiversity and historical trade routes, connecting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Its turquoise waters and coral ecosystems provide a vibrant backdrop, while its climatic extremes—intense heat and salinity—demand innovative architectural design. The project responds to this setting by embracing mobility, allowing the home to float across the sea’s surface, interacting with coastal communities and marine environments. This nomadic quality reflects the region’s Bedouin heritage, where movement is synonymous with adaptation and resilience.

"Spacious interior of the Red Sea Home by INJ Architects, featuring minimalist design and large windows overlooking the Red Sea."
"Minimalist and open-plan interior of the Red Sea Home, offering panoramic views of the Red Sea."
"Cluster of floating homes on the Red Sea, designed by INJ Architects, showcasing innovative solutions for sustainable living."
"A cluster of innovatively designed floating homes promoting sustainability and integration with the marine environment."
"Abstract sketch of the Red Sea Home design, highlighting the fluid lines and distinctive shape of the project."
"An abstract sketch illustrating the fluid lines and elegant forms of the Red Sea Home project."

Design Concept

The Red Sea Home is conceptualized as a “water capsule,” a self-contained dwelling that harmonizes with its aquatic surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the idea of a home as a void—a space of comfort and stability—while challenging the static nature of traditional residences. By integrating principles of Sustainability and Research, INJ Architects proposes a dwelling that roams the seas, fostering cultural exchange and environmental awareness. The capsule’s form is both functional and symbolic, evoking a paper boat drifting across the ocean, carrying stories of human connection and exploration.

Architectural and Formal Treatment

The architectural language of the Red Sea Home is defined by its modular, lightweight structure, designed to withstand marine conditions while minimizing environmental impact. The capsule, spanning 250 square meters, features a streamlined, aerodynamic form clad in bio-composite materials that resist corrosion and reduce thermal gain. Large, curved glazing panels create a seamless connection with the sea, enhancing the interior design by flooding spaces with natural light and panoramic views. The facades are dynamic, with adjustable louvers that respond to solar angles, balancing aesthetics with functionality.

Internally, the layout prioritizes flexibility, with open-plan living areas that adapt to the needs of its inhabitants. The design incorporates modular furniture and smart storage solutions, reflecting the Engineering precision required for a floating home. The capsule’s buoyant base, engineered with advanced hydrodynamic principles, ensures stability while allowing for smooth navigation across the Red Sea’s currents.

"3D model of the Red Sea Home, showcasing detailed aspects and advanced engineering of the project."
"A 3D model displaying the intricate details of the Red Sea Home design."
"Conceptual rendering of the Red Sea Home floating on the Red Sea, showcasing its sleek facades and glass envelope reflecting the turquoise waters."
"A futuristic floating home on the Red Sea, featuring a modern design that seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural beauty."

Sustainability and Technical Solutions

Sustainability is at the core of the Red Sea Home. The capsule is equipped with solar panels and a desalination system, enabling energy and water self-sufficiency. Waste management systems prioritize recycling and zero discharge, aligning with the project’s commitment to marine conservation. These technical solutions, developed through rigorous Research, ensure that the home not only coexists with its environment but actively contributes to its preservation. The project’s low maintenance cost—targeted at less than 3% of annual building costs—demonstrates a practical approach to sustainable architecture.

Team Contribution

Led by Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji, the INJ Architects team brought together expertise in Design, Engineering, and Sustainability to realize this visionary concept. Collaborating with marine engineers and environmental scientists, the team ensured that the Red Sea Home balances aesthetic innovation with technical feasibility, embodying INJ Architects’ commitment to pushing architectural boundaries.

"Panoramic view of a lush coastal landscape with a small floating boat resembling the design of the Red Sea Home."
"A picturesque coastal scene with sandy beaches, dense greenery, and crystal-clear blue waters, featuring a small floating boat similar to the Red Sea Home design."
"3D model showing the cross-sectional design of the Red Sea Home, highlighting the internal structure and advanced engineering details."
"A 3D model displaying the internal design of the Red Sea Home, including its lightweight structure and sustainable components."

Conclusion and Vision

The Red Sea Home is a testament to the power of imagination in shaping the future of Residential architecture. By reimagining the home as a mobile, sustainable entity, INJ Architects invites us to rethink our relationship with space, nature, and community. This project, categorized under Research and Sustainability, is not just a design but a narrative of hope—a vision of homes that adapt, connect, and inspire across the world’s oceans.