Sarsnk Eco Royal Retreat

Concept Development

Main Master plan

This project in the mountainous Sarsank region is a vision for a year-round, harmonious retreat. It offers skiing and winter sports in the cold months, and hiking and cultural activities when it’s warmer. Rooted in sustainable design, the retreat minimizes impact by preserving nature and prioritizing a car-free, pedestrian-first experience. The architecture blends local Kurdish materials (wood, stone) with modern comfort, offering diverse accommodations like eco-lodges and a main hotel. Beyond lodging, it creates a dynamic community hub with wellness centers, dining, and cultural spaces, including the adaptive reuse of historic ruins. Ultimately, this resort aims to redefine mountain tourism in Iraq by being an eco-conscious, culturally rich, and immersive destination.

Hotel

The hotel will be a key asset to this project, serving as both a landmark and a retreat within the stunning natural surroundings of Sarsank. Positioned at the edge of a cliff, it will o er breathtaking panoramic views of the forest and the expansive landscapes beyond, seamlessly integrating with the topography and natural slopes.

The design strategy for the hotel will follow these principles:

1. Scale & Form: A maximum of four floors to maintain harmony with the landscape.
2. Architectural Composition: A linear arrangement to optimize views and natural light.
3. Materiality & Identity: Using locally sourced natural materials—wood, stone, and handcrafted elements—will reflect the rich heritage of Sarsank and Kurdish culture.
4. Amenities & Experience: The hotel will feature high-quality restaurants, bars, wellness facilities such as massage services, swimming pools, and a sauna, ensuring a luxurious and immersive experience for
visitors.
5. Narrative & Place-Making: The hotel will be woven into the project’s storytelling, enhancing the experiential journey through its design, cultural references, and spatial sequences.

Landscape Strategy

The landscape strategy is centered on maximizing green spaces and integrating natural ecosystems to enhance the project’s environmental and aesthetic value. The design will seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment, using features like forests, wetlands, and water features to create an immersive experience. Key strategies include preserving existing natural vegetation and forests, implementing a diverse planting scheme with native species to boost biodiversity, and using terraced green spaces and bioswales for rainwater management and erosion control. Furthermore, ecological corridors will be designed to connect
different landscape zones, promoting wildlife habitats, while the integration of semi-natural and human-made water features (reservoirs, wetlands, etc.) will create tranquil gathering spaces.