RIYADH: The distinctive architectural style of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Baha region, included earlier this year in the national Saudi Architecture Characters Map, is one of the region’s draws for tourism, an expert told the Saudi Press Agency.
Abdullah bin Abdulqader Haridi, associate professor of architecture and building technology at Al-Baha University, said that the region’s style, influenced by its natural mountainous features, also contributes to energy efficiency.
Haridi said there were three main styles in the region: traditional, transitional, and contemporary.
Al-Baha’s architecture has distinctive features, including forts, external staircases, patterned doors and windows and the Zafir column style.
The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)
Traditional buildings are designed in ways that take into account environmental conditions such as terrain and climate, as well as regional customs that encourage gathering in designated spaces.
Adhering to traditional styles allows for the development of real estate projects that complement local identity, motivating investors to adopt these standards, Haridi added.
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March, designating 19 architectural styles unique to the Kingdom’s regions.
It intends to help modernize the Saudi urban landscape, while keeping the character and tradition of the country’s architecture alive.
Haridi said that the Al-Baha architectural style is energy-efficient, using natural building materials available locally.
The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)
Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi, 73, has worked building stone houses in the region for decades.
He told the SPA that the difference in climate and terrain between the areas of Sarat and Tihama led to a difference in building styles due to the construction materials available.
Al-Ghamdi said that the ancient architecture in Al-Baha was characterized by its reliance on nature, as the houses were built from local stones such as granite and basalt rocks decorated with myrrh stones, and roofed with juniper woods covered with clay, in harmony with the surrounding environment.
In recent years, ancient architecture in Al-Baha has witnessed a resurgence of interest from people who have taken the initiative to restore and revive their heritage houses.
Many have also been inspired by the old style in the construction of new houses, using stones, patterns and decorations inspired by the history of the place.
