BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SEA

The German studio that transformed Sharjah’s Al Noor Island—a green oasis in the Khalid Lagoon characterised by the golden, freeform roof that shades its butterfly pavilion—is the design force behind an urban beach development set to open on the city’s Arabian Gulf coast this November. 

Berlin-based design collective 3deluxe has designed a striking beachfront complex and marina that will bind the waterfront to the broader urban context. The AED87 million Al Hira Beach project will stretch over 3.5 kilometres of city coastline. Three organically shaped clusters, each with eight buildings and pavilions, will offer restaurants, cafes, retail, playgrounds, changing rooms, green space and sports courts, bound together by a beachfront promenade and jogging and cycling tracks. In each cluster, a latticework roof that echoes traditional mashrabiya will shade an inviting inner “square” lined by cafes. Access to the promenade on one side and the beach on the other is intuitive and flowing. The marina, open to the public, will accommodate 100 boats; at its heart will be a clubhouse with a restaurant and roof garden. The architecture throughout is flowing, undulating and resolutely contemporary. As such, it extends 3deluxe’s mission to deliver architecture that “makes this world more interesting and beautiful.” 

The project—and a second in Khorfakkan, the AED110 million Al Luluyah Beach development—is being driven by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) as it works to meet the demands of residents and visitors for unique, authentic experiences.

Construction at the Al Hira Beach project started in February and is scheduled for completion in November. Work at Al Luluyah is due to begin soon, and to complete in November 2022.