Burj Al Khazzan redesign aims for sustainable Riyadh future

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A visionary plan to transform Riyadh’s iconic Burj Al Khazzan water tower into a cultural and ecological landmark by 2030 has been unveiled, reimagining one of the city’s most recognizable structures as a model of sustainable urban renewal.

Located in Al-Watan Park within the historic Al-Futah district, the 61-meter tower was originally built in the 1970s by Swedish architect Sune Lindstrom to serve the capital’s growing water needs. 

Now, under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Green Riyadh initiative, it could take on a new identity as a “Tree of Life”, according to Arab News.

The project is being conceptualized by the Franco-Japanese architectural firm Stella Amae, based in Paris and Barcelona, following a consultation initiated by the Public Investment Fund. 

“The Burj is a unique object — it speaks of heritage, of water, of collective memory. We want to make it a living landmark,” said firm co-founder Alexandre Stella.

The design draws inspiration from Najdi architecture and the date palm’s trunk, creating a bioclimatic façade that interacts with air, light, sound, and humidity. “We imagined a living skin that breathes, captures the sounds of the city, diffuses soft light, and welcomes nesting birds,” Stella said. “It’s not a frozen monument — it’s a living organism.”

The proposed structure includes public gathering areas at the base combining cultural and commercial activities, a rooftop event venue overlooking the park, and dynamic lighting that activates during special occasions. “This district lacks a central meeting point — the tower could become that symbolic core,” Stella added.

Sustainability and reversibility are central to the design. The façade will use ultra-high performance fiber concrete for durability, while remaining lightweight and non-invasive, allowing for complete restoration of the original structure. “We want an architecture that is respectful of heritage yet adaptable to the future,” Stella noted.

International collaborators such as Studio Jouan for sound design and BOA Light Studio for lighting are contributing to the project, which remains in its conceptual phase with a targeted completion aligned with Riyadh’s 2030 urban goals.

Stella Amae is also engaged in regional projects, including the Al-Sufouh Archaeology Research Center in Dubai and a residential development at Diriyah Gate 2. 

Yet, Stella described Burj Al Khazzan’s transformation as especially meaningful. “This project isn’t just about design — it’s about memory, water, and heritage. It’s a piece of the city we want to carry into the future.”