A Dialogue Between Craft and Conscious Design

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a global centre of design and innovation, a new architectural language is emerging—one that speaks equally to luxury, sustainability, and cultural resonance. From the ambitious eco-city of NEOM to the refined interiors of Riyadh’s private villas and hospitality spaces, the materials chosen for these projects are not only aesthetic decisions but ideological ones.

Makani Collective’s handcrafted Japanese tiles sit at the intersection of this conversation. Produced by master artisans in Japan and made with up to 60% recycled ceramic, they offer a unique proposition: a tile that embodies centuries of craft tradition while meeting the demands of 21st-century sustainable design.

Epicon NEOM development featuring sustainable Japanese tiles by Makani Collective, showcasing handcrafted surfaces with up to 60% recycled ceramic in a luxury architectural setting.

Redefining Material Use in a New Saudi Landscape

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental stewardship is now reflected in the very materials shaping its future cities. From spas that channel the serenity of nature to kitchens and bathrooms in high-spec residences, there’s growing demand for surfaces that balance design with integrity.

Makani tiles are already contributing to this shift. With a refined, tactile beauty and a significantly reduced environmental footprint, they’re being specified for a wide range of applications, including:

NEOM, where every detail is curated through the lens of regenerative architecture.
Luxury villas and boutique hotels across Riyadh, where natural materials reinforce the narrative of grounded opulence.
Wellness and spa environments, where sustainability and serenity are inextricably linked.
Private kitchens and bathrooms, where long-lasting beauty and low-impact materials are increasingly non-negotiable.

NEOM and the Ethics of Aesthetic Innovation

NEOM is more than a city—it’s a blueprint for how we might live in the future. Built on principles of environmental responsibility, smart technology, and regenerative design, its architectural vision demands materials that echo its ethos.

Makani tiles, with their high recycled content and handcrafted origin, offer a compelling response. Their understated elegance, combined with the ecological value of their production, makes them an ideal material for projects that are both design-led and future-conscious.

Modern beach-style villa in NEOM featuring Makani’s sustainable Japanese tiles, blending coastal minimalism with eco-conscious materials made from recycled ceramic.

Craft Meets Sustainability

Every Makani tile is made in Japan by skilled craftspeople, using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. Yet the process is anything but static. By incorporating up to 60% recycled ceramic into the clay body and using natural glazes that minimise chemical waste, these tiles are as forward-thinking as they are rooted in tradition.

The result is a surface that feels honest and considered, perfect for high-end, minimalist, or nature-led interiors. From textured wall tiles to tonal bathroom surfaces, each piece brings with it a quiet sense of integrity.

Shaping the Future of Interiors in the Kingdom

Across Saudi Arabia, architects and designers are turning to Makani Collective’s tiles to create spaces that resonate on multiple levels: visual, tactile, and ethical. Whether as the focal point in a wellness retreat or as part of a larger architectural story in NEOM, the tiles speak to a deeper desire for design that’s both beautiful and responsible.

Key applications include:

Wellness and spa spaces, where natural materials enhance a calming atmosphere.
Architectural installations in forward-thinking developments.
Luxury residential kitchens and bathrooms, where sustainability is part of the lifestyle.

Why Design Studios Specify Makani