Architects: Syn Architects
Area: 615 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Laurian Ghinitoiu
Construction Firm: Temco
Design Team: Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi
Artist: Maha Malluh
Contractor Consultant: AM Alissa Consulting Engineers
City: Riyadh
Country: Saudi Arabia
Shamalat cultural space designed by Syn Architects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has transformed an old mud house into a vibrant cultural hub. The project, completed in 2022, blends preservation and modernity, creating a gallery, artist residency, and workshop space. The use of Riyadh stone on the new addition complements the original mud structure. Collaborating with artist Maha Malluh, the space reimagines historical narratives, engaging young minds with a fresh perspective.
Shamalat is a cultural space on the outskirts of Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Originally an old mud house, it was transformed into a cultural hub by the renowned Saudi artist Maha Malluh. The renovation used a two-phased experimental approach: Restoration and Addition. Some parts of the original mud house were preserved, while others were modernized. The new addition was built within the footprint of the original yard, incorporating the remnants of the old adobe fence. This addition is visible both inside and outside the building and is clad in warm white Riyadh stone, complementing the textured mud structure.
The new addition includes a gallery space, artist residency, dark room, and workshop. Maha Malluh’s storytelling through art reinterprets the past for contemporary audiences. This reimagined mud house aims to engage young people, presenting a fresh perspective compared to other mud houses. Syn Architects, known for their expertise in restoration projects in Saudi Arabia, collaborated on this project.
The name Shamalat reflects a sense of duality, derived from “Shmam.” In Jahili’s poetry, twin mountain peaks symbolize a timeless witness, providing a backdrop for present actions. This concept links the past’s wisdom to the present and future, fostering creativity and continuity.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 4102, 6089 King Faisal Road, Al Diriyah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
