Al Qurainah

Al Qurainah

Al Qurainah is a small town about 80 km from Riyadh. It is home to Al Qurainah Farmhouse, located in the middle of a huge palm farm. Continuing Hassan Fathy's legacy of restoring earthen construction, this complex blends into and embraces the mountainous landscape, providing a model for sustainable, low-cost suburban housing as an alternative to reinforced concrete. Designed for both leisure and social use, its materials, spatial layout, symphony of light and shade, and promotion of local handicrafts all emphasize the intangible qualities of pleasure and spiritual warmth. The walls are mostly made of compressed earth blocks, made from the earth on the site, with reinforced concrete foundations. Skilled Egyptian masons built a variety of curved roofs without formwork: domes on pendentives or squinches; steel-ribbed or Nubian vaults, mostly of fired brick. Passive climate control strategies include cooling towers and cross ventilation. Al Qurainah is also home to the Sadus Lake. It is a natural freshwater lake that has been a vital source of sustenance for the local population for centuries. This little the lake is surrounded by lush greenery and serves as a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The lake's calm and peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation, attracting visitors from across the region. Visitors can explore the lake's tranquil surroundings or hike through the surrounding hills and valleys.