Oasis View Vacation Rentals by Elie Metni Architects: A Contemporary Tribute to AlUla’s Vernacular Soul

Nestled within the majestic desert landscapes of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, the Oasis View Vacation Rentals by Elie Metni Architects offers a compelling narrative of heritage preservation fused with modern hospitality. This architectural project, completed in 2023, revitalizes an existing structure in harmony with AlUla’s historic urban fabric, while delivering a boutique vacation experience that honors traditional craftsmanship and contemporary comfort.

Architectural Vision: Preserving Identity, Embracing Modernity

The design approach was guided by a deep respect for local architecture, aligning with AlUla’s building codes while breathing new life into the existing structures. Elie Metni Architects focused on restoration and adaptive reuse, elevating key architectural elements while integrating new vacation rental units. This dual strategy achieves a refined balance between traditional desert aesthetics and modern lifestyle demands, offering guests an authentic and immersive stay that reflects the spirit of the oasis.

Traditional Materials and Local Techniques

What sets Oasis View apart is its collaborative design process involving local artisans and suppliers. The architects embraced a hands-on, site-specific approach to incorporate vernacular materials and methods into the project. This not only supported the local economy but also reinforced a culturally rooted identity in the architecture.

The project spans two adjoining buildings, each employing distinct construction methods:

• The main structure was carefully restored using concrete and masonry techniques, highlighting the building's original character.
• The adjacent annex was constructed using traditional mud-brick methods, connecting it to the legacy of AlUla’s desert dwellings.
• Custom carpentry throughout the interiors was executed using AlJadidah’s traditional wood systems, further grounding the building in its context.

This meticulous craftsmanship creates a harmonious architectural dialogue between old and new, reflecting a profound sensitivity to place.

Interior Design and Spatial Organization

Designed with a tailored hospitality experience in mind, the vacation rentals include a mix of one- to four-bedroom units. Each apartment is imbued with warm textures, locally sourced finishes, and desert-toned materials that echo the surrounding landscape. Carefully placed windows and open-air courtyards invite natural light and ventilation, connecting guests to the desert’s rhythms.

At the heart of the project is a shared rooftop terrace, offering expansive views over the AlUla oasis and sandstone mountains. The rooftop features:

• Intimate seating areas for socializing or relaxing
• A communal dining space ideal for gatherings
• A small, discreet pool oriented toward the mountains—maintaining guest privacy while enhancing the sense of retreat

Sustainable Tourism Through Thoughtful Architecture

More than just a hospitality development, Oasis View serves as a model for sustainable tourism in heritage environments. It demonstrates how adaptive reuse architecture can enhance visitor experience without compromising cultural integrity. Through its locally grounded design, environmentally conscious construction methods, and socially inclusive collaboration, this project celebrates the timeless beauty of AlUla in a refreshingly contemporary voice.

All Photographs are works of Nick Jackson, Elie Metni