Minzal
Designlab Experience has created Minzal, a cultural retreat in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, that bridges tradition and modernity within a rugged, mountainous landscape. This architectural site offers immersive experiences such as stargazing, horseback riding, live performances, and luxury glamping. Rooted in Saudi heritage, Minzal highlights the country's natural beauty, cultural legacy, local cuisine, and craftsmanship, reinforcing Designlab Experience’s reputation as a leading developer of world-class destinations.
Designlab Experience crafted Minzal’s master plan by drawing inspiration from historic mapping techniques and traditional desert camps, ensuring the site harmonizes with its surrounding hills. Positioned near an equestrian center, the modern structures feature vivid Najdi patterns inspired by Diriyah’s traditional doors and incorporate natural materials like ropes and woven palms to blend with the environment. Spanning 80,000 square feet, Minzal is organized into four distinct zones—Birwaz, Almashab, Glamping, and Stargazing—each designed to offer a unique experience. The layout guides visitors from the entrance near the equestrian center through a carefully curated journey, culminating at the hilltop stargazing station.
Designlab Experience envisioned Birwaz as the dynamic core of Minzal, integrating interactive workshops, food kiosks, retail shops, and performance zones to encourage exploration. Mud-textured finishes and bold geometric motifs reflect Diriyah’s heritage while embracing a contemporary aesthetic. A central pathway guides visitors through the space, leading to shaded seating areas and a main stage, with vendor carts strategically positioned as focal points. Deconstructed tents with metal frames and stretched fabric, accented by fringed rope, and locally sourced design textiles and accessories highlight regional craftsmanship. Hands-on workshops in pottery, palm weaving, and wood carving provide visitors with an immersive experience of Saudi artistry.
Centered around a bonfire and shisha lounges, Almashab was conceived as a dynamic social gathering space, designed to evoke warmth and connection through carefully selected materials and structural forms. The architecture integrates tensile structures and shaded pavilions, striking a balance between openness and shelter. Rope detailing weaves through the design, adding a tactile quality that complements the Najdi-patterned textured walls. A curated culinary experience enhances the guests’ journey.
Minzal’s Glamping Zone offers five private units with minimalist interiors accented with artisanal details and private terraces that establish a direct connection to nature. A bonfire gathering area, an outdoor restaurant, majlis-style seating, retail shops, and workshops create a dynamic, interactive environment. Architectural elements such as engraved wooden counters, multicolored doors, and earthy-toned canopies add visual and textural depth. A sand-colored tensile structure shelters a circular wooden bar, softly illuminated by artistic pendant lighting, reinforcing the setting’s authenticity.
Perched at the retreat’s highest point, the Stargazing station offers five intimate majlis pods designed for celestial exploration. With gravel flooring and an open layout, the space maximizes night sky views.
