Red Sea Beach Escape | Baca Architects

Baca Architects has designed a cocoa pod-shaped treehouse for an eco hotel located on a secluded Panama island, which is accessible only by boat. The practice was asked to design the treehouse as well as a larger residence for the Bíku Treehouse Retreat on the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

The chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea are known for their scenic natural parks, made up from forests and mangroves that provide a habitat for hundreds of species. The treehouse’s design aims to take advantage of the idyllic setting through a broad panoramic opening at one side of its bulbous form, splitting it in two like a cocoa pod.

A bold sightseeing tower rises from the horizon line which is formed by a park’s palm trees signalling the position of the Tourism Activation Centre at Yanbu’s coast. As visitors weave through the park, the centre begins to reveal itself through its landscape design, sculptural seating and architecture lead visitors to the tower and the nearby building entrance.

The sightseeing tower, 40m in height, features a lift and spiral staircase that elevates visitors to viewing platforms which afford panoramic views over the site and out to the Red Sea beyond.

Visitors can then enter the main buildings, containing the Visitor Centre Exhibition Spaces, Marina Area and Dive Centre.

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Envisioned as a modern-day caravanserai by drawing inspiration from the historical roadside inns that were hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture along major trade routes like the Silk Road, the Beach Clubhouse provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their vacation. The design incorporates elements of traditional caravanserais, such as a central courtyard and a series of interconnected spaces, to create a vibrant and dynamic social hub for beachgoers. Guests have the choice of arriving at the beach clubhouse via road or a dedicated jetty, which connects the clubhouse to the three other sites along the coast. The jetty serves as an extension of the clubhouse, creating a seamless and integrated experience for arriving guests.

The exterior of the clubhouse has a rustic yet contemporary look, featuring neutral stone walls that are complemented by arches and a series of spikes, adding to its unique and authentic character. Inside, guests are greeted by open spaces that feature comfortable seating areas and eclectic furnishings, providing an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a day by the beach. Natural light is emphasized with large openings throughout the clubhouse, adding a bright airy feel to the interior. The clubhouse opens out to the beach with several shaded seating pockets, which can be used as a shisha lounge. Adorned with a large circular canopy, the clubhouse truly makes a bold statement on the coastline with its unique form.

The beach club terrace features an open-air design that allows for a clear view of the beach. Natural materials such as wood, rattan, and woven textures are used to create an inviting atmosphere. This terrace is perfect for social gatherings and offers a spot for relaxation with friends or family, giving the guests the luxury of experiencing both comfort and stunning views at the same time. A series of canopies made with fabric that filter light and provide gentle shelter from the sun has been used on the terrace level. These canopies are supported by bold and striking vertical design members that act as beacons of light. These design elements serve as visual markers, drawing the eye towards the clubhouse and making it a focal point on the coastline, especially after dusk.

This distribution of different beach zones incorporates private and public beach areas in order to provide guests with a range of options for their beach experience. The private beach areas offer guests a secluded and exclusive space to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, away from the crowds. It features a series of peaceful cabanas, each with its own sunbeds, surrounded by the calming sound of waves crashing on the shore. With bright, airy colours and soft fabrics, these cabanas provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for soaking up some rays and unwinding. For an added element of privacy, perforated screens have been used in each cabana unit, creating an intimate private zone.

In addition to the private beach areas, the design also includes public beach areas that are accessible to all guests. These areas are designed to accommodate larger groups of people and provide a more social beach experience. The public area of this design is a perfect oasis of relaxation and comfort. It features sunbeds and sunken seats placed strategically in a landscaped setting, providing guests with a serene environment to unwind and soak up the sun. The sunbeds offer a comfortable place to lounge, while the sunken seats provide a more intimate seating arrangement that blends seamlessly into the landscape. To shield guests from the sun, canopies have been added to provide shade and to create an aesthetically pleasing design element. The canopies are designed to complement the surrounding landscape, and they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the public area.

In order to transform a typical beach experience, an event space has been proposed as a second phase of the design. This beach entertainment area is in the Western corner of the site and features a variety of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With lush landscaping, ample seating areas, and a range of amenities including an outdoor cinema, children’s play area, music booths and retail options, this vibrant outdoor space offers something for everyone. It also provides spectacular views of the shoreline, perfect for relaxing in between activities. At night, it transforms into an even more vibrant space with lighting features that add a unique ambience to the nightscape.

Step into the Realm of Leisure and Hospitality Design: Where Elegance Meets Escape

Designing the perfect Escape

Our design philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the natural world - we build immersive spaces that allow people to reconnect with nature, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious luxury.

The resort is inspired by historical roadside inns that served as hubs for exchanging goods, ideas, and culture. The Yanbu resort aims to welcome and restore weary travellers, bringing them into the fold of this beach club community. Inviting them into an oasis where both relaxation and adventure meet, where every moment spent here feels like a chapter of your own seaside story.

Known locally as the “Spring by the Sea,” the Yanbu resort unfolds elegant sculptures along the coast. Yanbu has a stretch of shoreline embraced by both the desert and the sea to offer a haven for all who seek its shores. With a collection of endless beaches, vibrant water sports, and crystalline aquatic landscapes, this coastal city holds a rich history as a once-thriving port. Today, it stands as one of the nation’s most serene and picturesque escapes, offering tranquility to those yearning for respite from the bustling city life.

Warmest of Welcomes

Arriving at the jetty, the billowing canopies of the beach escape greets incoming guests. The clubhouse terrace features an open-air design that allows for experiencing both comfort and panoramic ocean views at the same time.

Courtyard view of Yanbu Tourism Activation Centre

Aerial view looking down the Busselton Jetty and towards the AUDC

View of Yanbu Tourism Activation Centre Diving Pool

Dive Centre

A Padi training academy for beginners and those wishing to level up - divers can enter a training pool like no other. The triple height space houses a fully compliant Padi-certified pool with depths at different plateaus catering for all experience levels. The pool features a panoramic opening which forms a cinematic backdrop looking out to the Red Sea. These spaces are directly linked to outdoor shower area, the marina promenade and to diving boats.