Malaz-مَلاذ

Project idea

Malaz is a climate-resilient hotel prototype located within an agricultural masterplan in Alexandria, Egypt. The project reimagines hospitality architecture by integrating agriculture, education, and wellness into a closed-loop system. Rising sea levels and increasing salinity threaten local food systems and tourism — Malaz responds by creating a hybrid environment where visitors, students, and researchers coexist with edible landscapes, saline farming experiments, and green infrastructures. The hotel acts as a living lab, supporting mental well-being, food resilience, and ecological awareness through its spatial and environmental strategies.

Project description

This project centers on the following goals:
• Create a resilient hospitality model that adapts to climate change.
• Integrate green roofs, vertical farming, and hydroponics into the architecture.
• Design spaces that support short-term stays for scholars, researchers, and tourists.
• Foster interaction between guests and sustainable food cycles, embedding agriculture into lifestyle.

Technical information

The main structure of the building is made of reinforced concrete and steel, designed to support large cantilevers for shading and elevated roof gardens. The façade uses vertical timber louvers for sun control, paired with floor-slab projections as horizontal shading devices.
Green terraces, hydroponic systems, and smart water reuse infrastructure create a self-sustaining ecological loop. The hotel includes passive cooling strategies, biophilic interiors, and integrated educational farming spaces.

Documentation

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