In 2019, Sibley Grove interior design and architectural studio undertook their largest international project to date, winning the competitive interior design contract for the Olayan Groups Al Khozama Hotel & Residences. Strategically positioned at the heart of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus, the hotel is conveniently located near the university, healthcare facilities and residential neighbourhoods, making it a central destination for scientific, educational and social events. With the second phase of the project nearing completion, Al Khozama now boasts two additional roof terraces and a roof top bar, also designed by Sibley Grove. The hotel has already attracted international attention, having recently been presented the Haute Grandeur Global Award for Best Conference Venue Hotel in the Middle East 2024 and Best Hotel Residences in Saudi Arabia 2024.

During the first phase of development, Sibley Grove designed 206 beautifully furnished rooms, suites and residences, as well as all public-facing areas, including the grand lobby, two signature restaurants, a ballroom, gym and beauty treatment rooms. Each space was thoughtfully curated to exude a refined sense of understated luxury, combining contemporary aesthetics with subtle nods to the region's cultural heritage. In 2023, Sibley Grove returned for the second phase of the project, which included refreshing the expansive lobby and adding a rooftop café bar and two additional terraces, one undercover next to the existing swimming pool.

Design Director, Kate Sibley, shared insights into some of the project's unique challenges. Firstly, scale and space; the hotel features vast interiors, including a cavernous lobby with soaring ceilings and large windows. To counteract the overwhelming scale, Kate focused on zoning the space to create welcoming areas, using clever spatial planning, lattice timber partitioning and carefully curated furniture layouts. Using timber ‘fins’, the elevation of the space was divided to create a sense of normal ceiling height and massive hanging screens helped to skilfully partition areas around seating, creating more intimate spaces.

With sunny days present 84% of the time, ambient lighting solutions were essential. Window treatments were employed to balance brightness, while the selection of colours and materials ensured the interiors remained inviting and harmonious in natural light. All furniture, fixtures and materials were chosen for their longevity and sustainability. Sibley Grove worked with regional suppliers, including skilled furniture makers from Turkey and Lebanon, who assured excellent working conditions and adherence to ethical labour practices.

Given the KAUST campus’s Platinum LEED certification, the Al Khozama Hotel project needed to meet high standards in sustainable design. Sibley Grove embraced this challenge, using the studio’s signature circular design ethos to create valuable and lasting spaces. Plant selections for the terraces complemented the architectural design while thriving in the region’s hot, humid climate. Thoughtful choices extended to the minimalist yet luxurious interiors, where the focus was on creating timeless, functional designs that minimised waste and maximised both the customer and operator experience.

The hotel's design concept draws inspiration from the surrounding landscapes and architectural styles in Jeddah. While rooted in modernism, the hotel subtly incorporates Middle Eastern influences through textures, patterns and understated ornamentation. This fusion creates a balanced, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a distinctly local flavour, appealing to both international guests and the local community. By aligning with KAUST’s vision of innovation and environmental stewardship, Sibley Grove has demonstrated how thoughtful design can enhance both functionality and guest experience in one of the world’s most culturally rich regions. The hotel now stands as an iconic addition to the KAUST campus and a symbol of modern, sustainable luxury in Saudi Arabia.