The collaboration between Pikip Solar Speakers and Paul Emilieu continues with the design and production of a new system for Villa Hegra, a cultural center and artist residency in AlUla.
A solar, autonomous, and mobile system for artist workshops
Paul Emilieu was invited to design the furniture for the artist workshops at Villa Hegra, the first Franco-Saudi cultural foundation located in AlUla. Balancing work tools, hospitality, and local identity, he proposes a series of mobile, modular, and flexible furniture pieces that can adapt to a variety of evolving practices throughout successive residencies.
This system is part of that collection. Powered by a solar panel integrated into a custom chassis, it offers complete autonomy to resident artists, enabling them to organise sound events without any electrical infrastructure. Mobile, it can be moved through the desert and provides up to 48 hours of sound.
The object is draped in embroidered fabric, with patterns designed by Shaddah Design Studio. The hood covering it is not merely decorative: it protects the sensitive electronics from the desert sun. The chrome studs punctuating the cover form decorative patterns, directly referencing traditional Saudi incense burners.
A custom design and build by Pikip Solar Speakers
The Villa Hegra project is a new PikiP Custom creation, our bespoke offering.
For this system, we opted for an advanced customisation of our existing speakers: the VTL218 for low frequencies (40 Hz–120 Hz) and the VCX12 for mid-high frequencies (120 Hz–18 kHz). The acoustic work focused on optimized MF/HF crossover tuning, with the addition of bullet tweeters to bring more openness to the high end, compensating for the dry and hot conditions in Saudi Arabia.
The crossover was also reworked to accommodate an unusual subwoofer position (elevated), including increased phase shifting on the tops to ensure perfect sound coherence. The total nominal power of the system reaches 2,420 W.
Beyond our acoustic expertise, our customisation work also focused on woodworking. The system meets all the criteria of high-end production: no visible edges thanks to precise miter cuts and birch edge banding for a premium finish. The stainless steel vents integrate harmoniously with the upholstery studs, echoing incense burners as envisioned by Paul Emilieu. The textured polyurethane finish (three coats of varnish) ensures extreme resistance to UV and heat.
Finally, on the solar side, the 870 Wp chrome station is directly inspired by the chassis and axle of the PikiPbooth. It powers a 3,500 Wh battery coupled with a 4-channel AEA amplifier, offering virtually unlimited autonomy as long as the sun rises to recharge it.
With this project, we reaffirm our ability, through the PikiP Custom service, to design and produce high-end, bespoke creations that meet even the most demanding specifications. Alongside our cutting-edge acoustic and solar expertise, our meticulous woodworking allows us to create elegant systems that fully meet the expectations of architects and designers.
