Ardh Architects is a Dubai-based firm behind some of the most impressive private residences in the UAE. Now, they’re revealing something different for the firm’s latest project. Dubbed the Floating Retreat, recently released renders of the project promise an incredibly unique glamping experience set in the Sharjah mountains. 10 transparent prism pods suspended between two peaks hanging from a long wooden plank.
The tents are suspended high above the ground, looking over Sharjah’s natural splendor and taking in popular sites like Al Noor Mosque and Al Majaz Park. It’;s definitely not the type of accommodation that just anyone would commit to, however, it’s one of the most fascinating and unique hospitality projects to emerge out of the UAE in recent years.
Ardh Architects is taking on the project to promote environmental awareness, designing a colorful campsite where the lodging is suspended from a long wooden plank that stretches across a gap between mountains, fixed by a set of suspension cords.
The campsite’s surrounding area is apparently a hive of outdoor activity for those who want to explore the UAE beyond the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visitors to Sharjah regularly make their way to the mountains to climb, hike and cycle, all activities guests will have right outside their “door” step if they choose to stay at the Floating Retreat.
Judging from renders, it appears tents will be suspended from the wooden plank at various depths so guests will be able to choose their altitude. Those who lack the constitution for such a daring accommodation might want to look elsewhere, because there isn’t anything at ground level.
Emirati architect and Ardh Architects founder Oman AlQwais describes the floating retreat in the UAE as “the quality of calm such as the [one] experienced in places with mainly natural features and activities, free from disturbance from manmade ones.”
There’s no word as to when the Floating Retreat will open, but we’ll certainly provide an update when more details are available. For now, take a look at the renders and try to picture yourself hanging out in one of those suspended pods.
