architecture buzz!!

Architectural Designed by DBALP, Image©Alila Hotels and Resorts

Becoming one with nature The construction of Alila Cha-Am took three years to complete and was inaugurated in February 2008. Its conceptual design fully embodies the architect’s contradictory approach to conventional beach resorts with surprising design elements at every step.Essentially inspired by its natural surroundings, it is first and foremost a personal retreat with little hideaways nestled amidst sprawling lawns and azure pools, which stretch out to the beach beyond. Designed by renowned Asian architect Duangrit Bunnag, the resort has a distinctly tropical feel which is accentuated by contemporary interiors using Thai textures and furnishings.

According to its designer, it is not about cultural locality, but rather about an architectural, tropical design, using Thai textures and furnishings that lend it a sense of locality. Hence, bold shapes and clean lines softened by the palette of naturally-aged woods, limestone and subtle marble finishes are featured throughout the resort. The functionality of the project is essentially very straightforward: It comprises a room with a view, a house with a pool, an ultimate spa experience and a beachfront restaurant.

The architect says he doesn’t consider himself a minimalist, but he does believe in simplicity, spatial balance, the clever use of materials and natural light.Most of the furnishings were designed in-house as few collections could do justice to the uniqueness of Duangrit’s creative interiors. Materials used for furnishings and finishing were also inspired by nature, thus stone, wood, glass and concrete have been incorporated throughout Alila Cha-Am.“Since I am not very good at designing hotels, mine differ greatly from others,” Duangrit says, “I have no standard manual for designing hotels; mostly I create the designs out of my passion for life and my ideals of an escape destination. Often my passions dictate the rationale, because my architecture is not about meaning, it is about effect.” Guests who stay at Alila Cha-Am are primarily city dwellers seeking escape from the confines of an artificial environment; hence Alila Cha-Am is the ideal spot to become one with nature. Immediately upon entering the immaculately landscaped premises, guests sense the peaceful ambience and seclusion created by Duangrit’s coherent flow of the design elements.
“Alila Cha-Am guests can almost imagine they have the place entirely to themselves – a feeling created by the clever flow between open spaces coupled with private pathways and features designed for intimacy,” Duangrit says. “Through lighting an landscaping, the mood shifts from season to season, from day to night, creating a totally natural environment that brings all the elements into perfect harmony.”

For more information and reservation, please check out Alila Hotels and Resorts website: http://www.alilahotels.com

All images ©Alila Hotels and Resorts

[View with PicLens]