Cristal – The Dead Sea Gem in Israel by Sitbon Architectes

Article source: Sitbon Architectes

Cristal is located where we understand the essential of nature: its fragility. Today, the nivel of the Dead Sea, lowest emerged point in the earth, is reducing by one meter per year and is destined to disappear in 2050. The purpose of Cristal is to sensitize people to the
interpretation of its specific nature.

Core view of Cristal, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

• Architects: Sitbon Architectes
• Project:  Cristal – The Dead Sea Gem
• Location: Dead Sea
• Photography: Sitbon Architectes
• Gross floor area: 19 720 sqm
• Height: 22m50 / 2 levels
• Structure: metal + salt
• Designer: Sitbon Architectes

Panoramic view of Cristal looking at the rive, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

Like a sculpture, its volume is inspired by the salt cube structure, symbol of the Dead Sea. All the steps remind us consequences of time. It means that we need to take care of everything: our body, our mind, our environment…
Cristal has the desire to be an answer for all these concerns by permitting us to be one with nature. The project provides a leisure center offering various services. Spaces are organized around a crystal core.

View of the white salt skin enveloping the structure, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

The ground floor is for platform of social relationships and sport activities. The first floor, accessible only by stairs, connected us to heaven in the esplanade of contemplation to look the sunrise and the mountains. Spaces surrounding the project are landscaped into several zonings such as bike rides, camel’s promenades, walks… Also to practice paddle or take a relaxing bath in the mud squares.

Construction process and foundations, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

Easy to install, the project can be mounted in six days. Telescopic frames in metal are unfolded then fixed and entirely covered with salt. This way, the structure gets salinized until reaching a total white pristine.
The Cristal center zooms in one of the ten wonders of the world and invites us, by its activities, to discover the beauty of a nature really authentic. An essential vitality.

Process of salinization of the structure, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

Cristal concept, inspired by salt structure, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

Floor plan detailed with the inside programs, Image Courtesy © Sitbon Architectes

Tags: Israel

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