Raffles Residences Diriyah: Where Timeless Luxury Meets Saudi Heritage — A Visual Identity by Buenaventura

Raffles Residences Diriyah is a prestigious residential development that blends the timeless elegance of the Raffles brand with the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom, this project is part of a broader initiative to transform the city into a global destination where heritage, modern luxury, and sustainability come together.

The creative studio Buenaventura was tasked with designing the visual identity for the project, developing a system that reinterprets Saudi Arabia’s traditional aesthetic codes from a contemporary perspective. 

Central to this concept is the idea of a “flexible canvas,” a metaphor for the fusion of tradition and modernity. The design draws inspiration from the ornamental motifs of Najdi architecture—especially the intricate doors of traditional homes—and from the iconic facade of the original Raffles Hotel in Singapore, establishing a visual dialogue between two distinct cultural legacies. The result is a refined identity that captures the spirit of Raffles while honoring the local heritage.

Buenaventura approached this project as a sensory and emotional experience, carefully curating textures, materials, and colors to evoke the essence of Diriyah. The palette includes the green of Wadi Hanifa, the deep blue of the sky, the warm orange of Najdi clay, and the gold that symbolizes the city’s historic brilliance. These elements form the basis for a series of illustrations that deconstruct traditional Najdi patterns into contemporary compositions. 

These artworks were translated into a limited edition of screen prints, produced with high-quality techniques and materials, further reinforcing the connection between Diriyah’s artistic legacy and Raffles’ refined aesthetic. The identity extends across all physical and editorial elements, from packaging to stationery, creating a consistent and immersive brand experience. With this project, Buenaventura not only celebrates the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia but also reinforces Raffles’ vision as a global icon of sophisticated, context-driven luxury.

Raffles Residences Diriyah: Where Timeless Luxury Meets Saudi Heritage — A Visual Identity by Buenaventura

Raffles Residences Diriyah is a prestigious residential development that blends the timeless elegance of the Raffles brand with the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom, this project is part of a broader initiative to transform the city into a global destination where heritage, modern luxury, and sustainability come together.

The creative studio Buenaventura was tasked with designing the visual identity for the project, developing a system that reinterprets Saudi Arabia’s traditional aesthetic codes from a contemporary perspective.

Central to this concept is the idea of a “flexible canvas,” a metaphor for the fusion of tradition and modernity. The design draws inspiration from the ornamental motifs of Najdi architecture—especially the intricate doors of traditional homes—and from the iconic facade of the original Raffles Hotel in Singapore, establishing a visual dialogue between two distinct cultural legacies. The result is a refined identity that captures the spirit of Raffles while honoring the local heritage.

Buenaventura approached this project as a sensory and emotional experience, carefully curating textures, materials, and colors to evoke the essence of Diriyah. The palette includes the green of Wadi Hanifa, the deep blue of the sky, the warm orange of Najdi clay, and the gold that symbolizes the city’s historic brilliance. These elements form the basis for a series of illustrations that deconstruct traditional Najdi patterns into contemporary compositions. 

These artworks were translated into a limited edition of screen prints, produced with high-quality techniques and materials, further reinforcing the connection between Diriyah’s artistic legacy and Raffles’ refined aesthetic. The identity extends across all physical and editorial elements, from packaging to stationery, creating a consistent and immersive brand experience. With this project, Buenaventura not only celebrates the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia but also reinforces Raffles’ vision as a global icon of sophisticated, context-driven luxury.