Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) outside Riyadh is a non-profit institution dedicated to studying all types of energy, including solar and wind power. KAPSARC?s residential community, located to the west of its office complex, helps attract and retain world-class researchers by providing attractive housing and amenities within a sustainable environment. The 494-acre development reflects the very type of energy-saving practices being studied by the Center.
Courtesy of HOK –
Photography : Alan Karchmer
The community is planned around a dry riverbed transformed into a linear park and central oasis. The landscape is mostly planted with indigenous, drought-tolerant species and irrigated with recycled water collected from building mechanical systems. Three apartment buildings with ground-floor retail, library, dining hall, recreation center, natatorium, mosque and supermarket are clustered at the site’s heart. The apartments include one-story and two-story units with double-height living areas and balconies. Several of the sculptural, stainless-steel roofs extend toward the park to create flowing shade canopies. Courtesy of HOK –
Photography : Alan Karchmer
Surrounding this core, the residential neighborhoods are designed to be compact, sustainable and pedestrian-friendly. The 191 villas, organized into walkable blocks, range in size from two-bedroom townhouses to six-be...