Sobat Heritage Hostel, Riyadh – Concept Design

Design of a heritage youth hostel for 100 guests, comprising a ground floor, first floor and second floor with a roof terrace. The project started from an investor's idea to develop a repeatable prototype for different regions of the Kingdom, with Riyadh as the first pilot location. The building was designed according to the architectural heritage of the Najd region in the Najdi style, and was presented to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, where it was accepted by its representatives.

• Location Riyadh • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Plot Area 47,000 m²
• Total Built-Up Area 47,000 m²
• Delivery Date February 2024
• Client / Developer Al Qanawat Company Ltd.
• Project Type Hospitality
• Service Type Concept Design

• Architectural & Interior Concept Design
• Architect of Record & Official Permits
• Landscape & Garden Design
• Preliminary Engineering Studies
• Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Approval
• Sole Lead Engineering Consultant

The Project's Engineering Challenges

1. 01 Applying the authentic Najdi style while meeting the modern functional requirements of a 100-guest youth hostel.
2. 02 Developing a flexible prototype that can be repeated and adapted to different sites and regions of the Kingdom.
3. 03 Obtaining Royal Commission for Riyadh City approval in line with its architectural and heritage requirements.

The Engineering Solutions Adopted

1. 01 Using Najdi architectural vocabulary in the façades and interiors, with a layout that ensures operational efficiency and guest comfort.
2. 02 A modular prototype with units and spaces that can be adjusted to suit each site.
3. 03 A concept design package compliant with the Commission's requirements, accepted by its representatives at presentation.