Blending Luxury, Technology and Saudi Heritage with Lutron Electronics and KCA International.
Rakan Jandali, Design Principal and Creative Director at KCA International, and Sana Choyakh, Regional Sales & Business Development Manager for Lutron in the Middle East and Central Asia, sat down with us at Saudi Projects to discuss an exceptional project at the Chedi Hotel Wadi Safar. This collaboration showcases the perfect synergy between KCA’s design expertise and Lutron’s innovative lighting and shades solutions, blending technology with cultural and natural elements to create a luxury experience in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Saudi Projects was thrilled to gain this opportunity and unique insight for you, so sit comfortably and enjoy the discussion around the questions we asked of them below.
Following years of meticulous planning and collaboration, the Chedi Hotel Wadi Safar is set to open its doors in 2026. The project stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams involved. This luxurious addition to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape promises to offer guests an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends heritage, modernity, and cutting-edge technology.
The seamless integration of technology and design elevates guest comfort
Saudi Projects: What was the initial design vision for the Chedi Hotel Wadi Safar? How did the surrounding landscape and Saudi culture influence the design?
Rakan Jandali: The design vision was anchored in three main elements. First, we drew inspiration from the natural surroundings of Wadi Safar and its topography, ensuring that the project felt connected to the landscape. Second, we incorporated The Najdi architectural asthetics, especially since this project was part of Diriyah Gate’s Phase 2, the contemporary phase. Our goal was to modernize traditional Saudi Najdi architecture while retaining its essence. Lastly, we aligned with the Chedi brand’s focus on wellness and serenity. The brand’s minimalistic yet luxurious approach informed our selection of calm, tonal elements throughout. Integrating these principles seamlessly, even in details such as switch plates embedded into the headboards, showcased how design and functionality could coexist.
Saudi Projects: How did Lutron approach the lighting design to complement KCA’s vision and create an immersive experience?
Sana Choyakh: As Rakan mentioned, the Chedi brand emphasizes serenity and harmony. Our task was to match this vision by ensuring the finishes complemented the overall design and addressed challenges like integrating lighting and shading controls seamlessly. One major focus was harnessing natural light, which is crucial in a place with so much natural sunlight such as Saudi Arabia. We used motorized, silent shades to manage natural light and create a welcoming ambiance. For instance, when a guest enters their room, the curtains automatically open, immersing them in a serene environment that reflects the Chedi’s essence and Saudi heritage.
Harnessing natural light was key to sustainability
Saudi Projects: What excites you most about the finished project and how it blends design and technology?
Sana Choyakh: It’s the seamless integration of technology with the heritage-rich design that excites me most. This project embodies modernity and innovation while staying true to Saudi Najdi architecture, reflecting the vision of a country poised to lead in technology while honoring its roots. For us at Lutron, it was essential to create a space where guests feel welcomed and comfortable, blending advanced solutions without them being overt. This creates a balance where guests can enjoy the modern experience without losing touch with the cultural ambiance.
Rakan Jandali: For me, it’s about harmonizing tradition with state-of-the-art technology, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. We wanted to use modern technology subtly, ensuring that elements like wireless charging and integrated USB ports felt natural within the design. It’s a blend of retro and futuristic styles, much like the visual language of the movie Dune, which integrates old-world aesthetics with futuristic ideas. The design encourages guests to experience a seamless fusion of innovation and culture.
Saudi Projects: Discuss the collaborative process: How did KCA and Lutron work together to overcome challenges and achieve the desired outcome?
Rakan Jandali: Collaboration was vital in overcoming challenges, particularly when integrating technology into design. A standout example is the night light feature we incorporated into the bed design. Typically, night lights are standalone fixtures, but we wanted ours to be integrated seamlessly into the furniture. This required significant coordination with Lutron and the Lighting consultant to ensure the technology complemented the overall design. The result was a sensor-activated, subtly embedded night light that enhanced the user experience without being intrusive..
Sana Choyakh: Absolutely. We worked closely with KCA to ensure that every technological element met their vision. This required detailed discussions, drawings, and adjustments. The idea was to make the technology intuitive, so the user wouldn’t need to think about operating it. This included creating scenes, such as a ‘welcome scene’ or ‘night mode,’ that transitioned seamlessly and elevated the guest experience. The attention to detail in our collaboration was key to achieving a cohesive result.
Saudi Projects: How did the project incorporate sustainability best practices, and how did Lutron’s technology contribute?
Sana Choyakh: Sustainability was at the forefront, aligning with global and local priorities. One focus was harnessing natural light, controlled by motorized shades that reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. These shades also help manage room temperatures, conserving energy by reducing air conditioning use. Occupancy sensors further supported this, ensuring that lights and cooling systems adjusted when rooms were unoccupied. Integrating with the property management system ensured energy-saving measures were seamlessly automated.
Rakan Jandali: From KCA’s perspective, sustainability involved sourcing materials locally to reduce the carbon footprint and support local craftsmanship. Many of the furniture pieces were hand-crafted with traditional Saudi inspiration but designed in a modern way. We also explored regenerative design principles that go beyond sustainability to coexist harmoniously with nature.
Saudi Projects: What trends do you see in integrating technology and design for luxury hospitality experiences?
Rakan Jandali: I foresee an increased emphasis on blending intuitive, user-friendly technology with design in a way that guests may not even consciously notice. It’s about creating a space that adapts to their needs, seamlessly incorporating technology that enhances comfort without overpowering the ambiance. This approach, especially in luxury settings, adds value to the guest experience by allowing them to engage with the space effortlessly.
Sana Choyakh: I agree. Human-centric design, which considers the impact of both artificial and natural light, is becoming crucial. It’s not only about lighting but integrating the entire technological ecosystem with the design to create immersive experiences. This trend points toward developing spaces that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, reinforcing a sense of well-being and luxury.
Our goal was to modernize tradition while embracing innovation
Saudi Projects: How can this project serve as a model for future developments in the region?
Sana Choyakh: This project sets a benchmark for integrating heritage and modernity. It demonstrates that technology can be seamlessly blended with traditional design to create unique, culturally rich experiences.
Central to this integration is the careful incorporation of automated shades, intelligent lighting, and temperature control systems, which collectively elevate the guest experience. Motorized shades, designed to regulate natural light, contribute to energy efficiency and create a sense of openness while maintaining comfort. Paired with smart lighting solutions, guests can transition through various scenes that evoke specific moods, from serene relaxation to productive focus.
Additionally, temperature control linked to occupancy sensors ensures an optimized environment, adapting to guests’ presence and enhancing overall comfort. This holistic approach not only underscores the project’s commitment to technological innovation but also shows future developers that maintaining an authentic identity while incorporating advanced solutions is not only achievable but enhances the overall value and appeal of the project.
Rakan Jandali: Indeed, the Chedi Hotel Wadi Safar embodies a roadmap for future luxury developments that want to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It underscores the importance of thoughtful design that respects the past while embracing the future. It also highlights the value of collaboration early in the design process, ensuring the end product aligns with budget, design, and guest experience goals.
The Chedi Hotel Wadi Safar stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative design. Through their joint efforts, KCA International and Lutron have created a luxury experience that respects Saudi culture, embraces cutting-edge technology, and exemplifies sustainability. As the Kingdom continues its path toward modernization under Vision 2030, projects like this will serve as models, illustrating how to balance heritage and progress to create spaces that resonate with guests both locally and globally.
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