Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Architectural Design: The Alain Ducasse Restaurant, AlUla

Words: Orazio Moretti, CEO of Craft Group
Photos: Craft Group


For Craft Group’s Alain Ducasse restaurant project in AlUla, we fostered a collaborative effort between the design team and local craftsmen and ensured that the masonry work reflected the area's cultural heritage while meeting modern construction standards. This involved sourcing local red bricks, a key element in maintaining the architectural authenticity of the region. These bricks were carefully selected to complement the landscape of AlUla.



Local masons were engaged to lay the bricks in specific, intricate patterns that were essential to the overall design. Each pattern required precise attention to detail, with one mason assigned to each to ensure it was laid out accurately and consistently. This meticulous process guaranteed the craftsmanship's quality and preserved the unique aesthetic envisioned for the project.

The texture and color of the locally sourced red bricks also played a pivotal role in the overall visual impact of the Alain Ducasse restaurant in AlUla. The rich, earthy tones of the bricks harmonized perfectly with the natural warm hues of the surrounding Jabal Ikmah, creating a seamless blend between the architecture and its environment. The rough texture of the bricks added depth and authenticity to the structure. This careful selection of materials not only enhanced the building’s visual connection to its surroundings but also reinforced the design intent of honoring AlUla’s cultural heritage through modern architectural expression.



Additionally, GRC (glass-reinforced concrete) was utilized to replicate the look of the traditional French borders on the ceiling. This modern material allowed for precise detailing, effectively mimicking the intricate design elements typically found in French interiors. By using GRC, the project team was able to achieve a high-quality aesthetic that harmonized with the overall architectural vision, particularly in blending with the brick walls that evoked a rustic, French style.

The use of GRC was not only a design choice but also a practical solution to meet the project's tight timeline. Its versatility and ease of installation offered significant time-saving benefits without compromising on the durability or the refined appearance of the space. This approach allowed the design to incorporate a French-inspired elegance while respecting the local context of AlUla, merging modern construction techniques with traditional aesthetics. This thoughtful combination of materials helped create a cohesive and visually striking interior that balanced both contemporary efficiency and historical reference.




MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 24 Recap: Gary Hensley, VP of Sales at Oldcastle Adams
July 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Gary Hensley joins Justin in Indianapolis to talk about his story within the masonry industry, how he got started, how he's seen it evolve, and where he sees it going. Why the Masonry Industry? Concrete and

The Enduring Power of Structural Masonry
July 2025

Masonry has been holding its ground for millennia — literally. And thanks to the simple brilliance of arching action, it continues to do so with strength, style, and surprising efficiency. In an era of advanced modeling and fast-moving schedules, one time

Building More: Slow, Fast, or Consistent. What is Tempo?
July 2025

It was a drizzly midweek day when I rolled up to the project we were working on just outside of town. The foreman paced the scaffolding, rain hood half-zipped, barking at two laborers who were sprinting bricks like they were late for a flight. Forty feet

Marvelous Masonry: Belém Tower
July 2025

The Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to stone construction's enduring artistry and technical prowess. Erected between 1514 and 1519, this iconic structure served as a defensive bastion at the mouth of the Tagus River and as a ceremon