Project Overview

Client Background
The Ultra-Luxury Residences Program at Trojena is targeted at the VVIP strata of Saudi and GCC society and the global UHNWI community. A generational asset class, these remarkable one-off residences will be offered and allocated on an extremely selective basis and will be designed and built by the leading architects, interior designers, artists and specialist contractors to the ultimate standards of luxury, innovation and sustainability.

Objective
To establish the program from scratch, Michael Linczyc, as Development Director, identified, qualified and retained a core development team based at Trojena Mountain Community (Basecamp) with design, procurement, project and construction management experience and capabilities as well formulating the entire Client Engagement Process including workflows, documentation, systems and technology and as guardian of the white glove experience and branding strategy.

Scope

• Develop a master plan for the residential development areas including roads, utilities, site preparation and massing.

• Identify and qualify global best-in-class consultants to deliver design, project management, construction and innovation.

• Prepare initial site investigation studies and commence grading and road/utility provision for plot preparation at 10 sites.

Design Approach and Execution

A YEAR-ROUND TRAVEL DESTINATION

Developing master plans for ecologically rich landscapes, particularly those with challenging terrain, raises critical questions: How can architecture enhance natural features without disrupting them? Can design balance conservation with bold reimagination? In a new tourist region in Saudi Arabia, Trojena offers an ambitious answer —a hyper-landscape experience that unites nature and architecture.

When complete, Trojena will be a year-round travel destination where the drama of the natural world meets architectural innovation of a new kind. Situated just 50 km from the Gulf of Aqaba in the highest mountain range in Saudi Arabia, the region features spectacular rocky peaks, steep escarpments, dramatic wadi plains, and a vast lake. Renowned for its rugged natural beauty, with sub-zero temperatures during winter followed by an extended summer that is cooler than the surrounding area, the location is ideal for hiking, climbing, and—uniquely—winter sports. At a time when travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences of the natural world, Trojena appeals to those seeking a new kind of landscape experience.

CONSERVE, ENHANCE, REIMAGINE

In this alpine-desert location, LAVA’s master plan organizes hospitality, recreation, and residential options into distinctive clusters linked by an experiential transportation system that moves people above the earth rather than across it. “The idea behind the master plan was to conserve, enhance, and reimagine the mountain,” says LAVA architect and urban design director Lukas Kronawitter. “In this industry, there can be a tendency to bulldoze through challenges. We approached Trojena with a scalpel.” The precise design reflects extensive analysis of climate, terrain, environmental impact, access, and cultural context, along with insights into global tourist preferences and urban planning. This research-driven, decentralized master plan creates distinct locations that invite exploration and nurture connection to nature.

"The idea behind the master plan was to conserve, enhance, and reimagine the mountain; to think of Trojena as one large natural park."

“Instead of a sprawling city, we have created a series of interconnected villages,” explains Kronawitter. “This minimizes the development footprint, preserving the landscape while opening up diverse experiences of the site.” Trojena’s six clusters—Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax, and Fun—offer villages, activities, events and hospitality tailored to their location. From skiing to stargazing, high-altitude wellness centers to secluded luxury cabins, every element builds a sense of connection to the environment. “Rather than a single city center, Trojena features a series of city centers, each of these is a unique focal point that expands your experience of the mountains,” says Kronawitter. By emphasizing local distinctiveness, this zoning strategy counters the homogeneity common across many travel destinations and fosters a unique sense of place.

Results and Acknowledgments

DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY

“Well-curated experiences will surprise and excite people as they travel to different clusters on the mountain,” explains Kronawitter.

“But crucially, there is also room for discovery; your experience depends on what you want to do.” As important as the built environments are the spaces that exist in between vast tracts of wilderness populated by wild plants and animals, sculpture gardens in unexpected locations, and panoramic vistas of the unpopulated landscape beyond. Trails for hiking, mountain biking and an innovative transport system make these areas accessible yet unspoiled.

"The master plan clusters amenities and activities to reduce environmental impact, allowing for a more thoughtful and context-driven development."

Credits and Collaboration

• Lead Architect Masterplan: LAVA Laboratory for Visionary Architecture, Berlin