Out of This World

The overwater villas linked in a graceful chain, appear as if floating on the sea

Rising from the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, the gleaming orbs of Shebara Resort appear weightless, radiating an ethereal glow. Designed by Killa Design – the visionary firm behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future – this retreat seamlessly blends cutting-edge engineering with the organic beauty of its surroundings. At the heart of Shebara’s design lies an inspired architectural concept: a series of shimmering, stainless steel orbs that house the resort’s 73 villas. The overwater properties, linked in a graceful chain, appear as if floating on the sea, evoking a string of pearls. The beach villas reflect the golden sands, mirroring the shifting hues of the sky. “They’re almost like bubbles that come up from the ocean floor, reflecting everything that’s above them,” says Shaun Killa, founder and design director of Killa Design. “When you look at Shebara, it reveals itself from the water.”

Suspended above the waves, the resort’s overwater villas offer a connection to the marine ecosystem. Set 50 metres from the natural coral reef, the villas rest on minimal structural supports, reducing their environmental impact. “Each overwater villa is like an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in this area,” says Killa.

Shebara’s sustainable ethos extends beyond its architectural footprint. Constructed off-site and assembled with a modular ‘plug-in’ approach, the villas integrate seamlessly into a solar-powered, zero-energy infrastructure. “The offshore construction methodology was implemented to preserve the natural environment of the island, minimising any potential impact to coral and wildlife,” adds Killa. Surrounded by Sheybarah Island’s pristine mangroves and coral reefs, the resort operates entirely off-grid. A state-of-the-art solar farm provides 100% of the resort’s energy needs, powering desalination, cooling, lighting and transportation. The solar installation itself is an architectural statement, arranged in a circular pattern that complements the resort’s flowing design. Walking and biking paths guide guests through this innovative energy landscape, turning sustainability into an immersive experience. “The entire infrastructural backbone of the project forms part of a visitor experience where guests can be exposed to, and learn about, the approach that has made the project a truly self-sustained development,” says Killa.

Rockwell crafted interiors that contrast the orbs’ sleek exteriors with soft, cocooning spaces

Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, Shebara’s interiors embrace a philosophy of ‘Natural Futurism,’ straddling futurism and timelessness. Drawing inspiration from the protective shell of a sea urchin, Ferrari’s team crafted interiors that contrast the orbs’ sleek exteriors with soft, cocooning spaces. The studio leaned into aerodynamics and movement to create soft and tailored interiors. With the sea’s vibrant blues outside, the studio embraced a restrained interior palette, allowing nature to take centre stage. “Our idea is to frame the water, and to let nature be the real focus,” shares Paolo Ferrari, the studio’s founder. Echoing the precision of yacht and aviation design, Shebara’s interiors are meticulously crafted. Curved surfaces necessitated advanced 3D modelling techniques to optimise space and ensure the seamless integration of furnishings. “How we maximise space in a villa like this is similar to how you design a private jet or yacht, where you have to maximise every square inch,” says Ferrari. 

Rockwell leaned into aerodynamics and movement to create soft and tailored interiors

Material selection was driven by a desire to harmonise with the natural surroundings. Soft leather, warm wood and hand-crafted details enhance the villas’ intimate, human-centred atmosphere. “The result is a space that feels both futuristic and timeless,” shares Ferrari. By merging avant-garde design with ecological sensitivity, Shebara offers an unparalleled experience where architecture and nature exist in perfect symbiosis.

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