Nestled in the heart of the AlUla desert, The Chedi Hegra seamlessly blends ancient history with contemporary design, offering guests an experience of refined, authentic luxury. Ideal Work’s Rasico® and Microtopping® unite craftsmanship and innovation to create surfaces that evoke a timeless, immersive atmosphere.
Located in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, The Chedi Hegra boutique hotel redefines the concept of luxury by bringing together history and contemporary architecture. Designed by the Milan-based Giò Forma Studio Associato in collaboration with Black Engineering, the complex was built on the ruins of the Hegra railway station, constructed in 1907 to connect Medina to Damascus.
The property features 35 rooms, suites, and villas, many of which have been seamlessly integrated into the original structure through the careful use of historical materials such as local stone. Architectural elements have been meticulously to preserve the site’s natural and historical integrity. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the desert, rock formations and the Nabatean necropolis, fully immersing themselves in the rich atmospheres of the ancient Nabatean city.
Conceived as a haven of peace, The Chedi Hegra offers an experience of authentic luxury, where design and functionality coexist in perfect harmony. The structure features the Shadow Canopy, or Lamellae, a 700-meter walkway connecting the historic railway tracks to spaces dedicated to art and reflection. The gallery, housed within the former train station, showcases a unique collection of historical artifacts, inviting visitors on a journey through culture and creativity.
Ideal Work‘s flooring and wall solutions integrate elegantly within the historical context of the structure, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Rasico® was applied to the exterior areas. Chosen for its distinctive texture created through trowel application as well as for its resistance to atmospheric agents, UV rays and water, Rasico® ensures both durability and reliability, making it an ideal solution for sophisticated yet relaxed outdoor spaces. Its unique design complements the interior, where Microtopping® was used to maintain visual continuity and to impart an essential, minimalist style to each environment.
With Microtopping®, a seamless surface with a tactile appearance can be achieved in just 3 mm of thickness. Combining aesthetics with functionality, this Ideal Work solution allows for renovation without invasive interventions, making it particularly well-suited for radiant heating systems to ensure maximum comfort.
The Chedi Hegra represents a perfect balance between sustainable luxury and respectful conservation, blending contemporary design and architecture with rich cultural heritage. Ideal Work’s solutions exemplify how innovative, cutting-edge materials can enhance historically significant spaces, bringing them to life as distinctive and functional environments.
Date: 2025
Place: AlUla, Hegra, Saudi Arabia
Designer: Giò Forma, Black Engineering