Al Marjan Island in Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates will be home to a development that redefines the concept of luxury and modern architecture. Oystra was designed by architects from the famous Zaha Hadid Architects. It is a 128,000-square-metre area where innovative forms combine with natural inspirations, responding to the region’s dynamic growth and creating a unique blend of residential, commercial and leisure living.
The Oystra project is being developed on the picturesque island of Al Marjan, extending 4.5 km from the shores of the Arabian Sea. Offering 23km of coastline, including 7.8km of white sandy beaches, the island is a strategic point in the growing United Arab Emirates. Ras al Khaimah’s rapid population growth, which is projected to increase by 55 per cent by 2030, and record growth in the tourism sector (between 100,000 and 3.5 million tourists per year) create good conditions for investment.
Fluid, organic forms that combine abstract inspiration from nature with high functionality play a key role in Oystra’s design. Zaha Hadid Architects designed the buildings, whose dynamic geometries – based on sea wave motifs and undulating sand patterns – give them an unusual character. More than 75 per cent of the flats provide unobstructed views of the sea, while spacious balconies and terraces, which are an extension of the interiors, subtly protect them from direct sunlight.
Residential and urban design elements
Approximately 950 different residential units will be built on the site, ranging from cosy flats to spacious four-bedroom duplexes, exclusive penthouses and luxurious beachfront villas. Each of the residential proposals has been designed with the comfort of future residents in mind, combining modern design with extraordinary functionality. The development combines residential elements with an extensive retail and leisure infrastructure, creating a comprehensive living space in keeping with the demands of the modern age.
Public spaces
Oystra is not just about buildings – it is also about 42 square metres of green spaces, gardens, courtyards and recreational spaces. These spaces include swimming pools, a beach club, as well as exclusive gathering places such as the rooftop restaurant and 360° infinity pool, which offer panoramic views of the island and the boundless face of the sea. In addition, the development connects directly to the walking avenue – an attractive promenade for residents and tourists.
Innovative technological solutions form the foundation of the project. Advanced environmental analyses and digital mapping shaped the optimal layout of the buildings in relation to natural conditions – thus minimising energy consumption while increasing thermal comfort. The use of seawater-based cooling systems, specially designed sunshades and an insulated space between the façade and the interior of the buildings are elements that make Oystra an example of a sustainable approach in architecture and an investment that is adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of the region.
Oystra is a groundbreaking development that exposes the future of coastal urbanism by combining the highest architectural standards, sustainable solutions and a unique design inspired by natural phenomena. Thanks to the synergy of the designers’ creativity and the precision of the implementation, the new complex has the potential not only to become an icon of the city, but also to influence the further development of the residential and tourist infrastructure of the entire region. The project is like a manifesto of modernity – a place where architecture and nature meet, creating a space full of life and harmony.
source: Zaha Hadid Architects
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