International
The Ritz-Carlton is part of an ambitious lifestyle precinct. The project involved forming the site, developing a contemporary, understated yet luxurious design, introducing new construction techniques while keeping a focus on sustainability. The project has become a benchmark for the future of contemporary hospitality design in a nautical setting.
The Ritz Carlton Fari-Islands Maldives is an enigmatic scheme. It is an unfamiliar language for Kerry Hill Architects, who produce regionally appropriate projects. Accommodation comprises 99 one- and two-bedroom villas on marine engineered islands, connected by curving walkways. Circular rooms of elegantly detailed bleached timber float over the ocean or anchor on sand. Villas have either sunrise or sunset views.
Interestingly, bigger structures such as the arrival jetty and restaurants are rectilinear and intersperse the site. The main swimming pool, spa, and the kid’s club then revert to the circular plan, and have been rigorously worked with respect to function and location. The spa encompasses the Indian Ocean as its central courtyard, the kid’s club is buried under an earth berm, while the dish-like main pool and bar perform as architectural nodes.
Natural materials and a limited palette, both externally and internally, draw inspiration from Maldivian and Indian Ocean craft. Well considered construction uses prefabricated cross and glue laminated certified timber sources. This reduces environmental impact, waste, and pollution on a sensitive site.
Part of the genius here is the new procurement methods to deliver a unique property. KHA’s Ritz Carlton is an elegant and rightly spare contribution to the cluster, while marking the emergence of a new design dialect for the firm.
The project is a careful balance between three pillars of sustainability – social equity, environmental protection and economic viability.
The development prioritized employees’ welfare and development through a dedicated campus island. Access to a vibrant marina village adds another dimension to guest experiences, encouraging social engagements beyond their private villas. A holistic and sincere approach towards marine and environmental conservation was applied across its design, construction and operational phases.
Since opening, the project received widespread media coverage and social media followings. Financially, the project generated Gross Revenues 20% above budget and Gross Operating Profits in excess of 26% for FY 2022.
Faye Calara Perla Cusi, 3D Visualiser
Faye Calara Perla Cusi, 3D Visualiser
Ken Lim, Architectural Model Marker
Ken Lim, Architectural Model Marker
Nick Derickx, Designer
Desmond Ong, Designer
Nick Puah, Designer
Tunisha Kapadia, Designer
Nick Derickx, Designer
Desmond Ong, Designer
Nick Puah, Designer
Tunisha Kapadia, Designer
Sulaini Jonied, Draftsman
Sulaini Jonied, Draftsman
Cheryl Yeo, Interior Designer
Alex Ong, Interior Designer
Cheryl Yeo, Interior Designer
Alex Ong, Interior Designer
Tanuj Goenka, Project Architect and Project Director
Bernard Lee, Project Architect
Tanuj Goenka, Project Architect and Project Director
Bernard Lee, Project Architect and Project Director
Alan Bajamundi, Senior 3D Visualiser
Alan Bajamundi, Senior 3D Visualiser
Kasia Boguslawska-Bradley, Senior Designer
Kasia Boguslawska-Bradley, Senior Designer
Leena Goh, Senior Interior Designer
Alicia Worthington, Senior Interior Designer
Ben Smestad, Senior Interior Designer
Leena Goh, Senior Interior Designer
Alicia Worthington, Senior Interior Designer
Ben Smestad, Senior Interior Designer
Acviron Acoustic Consultants Pte Ltd, Acoustic Consultant
Shen Milsom & Wilke (Singapore) Pte Ltd, AV Consultant
Pontiac Land Group, Developer
Noel Joseph Consultants, Electrical Consultant
KHA Pte Ltd, Interior Designer
Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture, Landscape Consultant
Gedor Consulting, Architect in Association
The Artling, Artwork Consultant
HBA Graphics, Graphics Consultant
Zinta (H.K) Design Engineering Limited, Interior Contractor
Space Seed Design, Kitchen Consultant
RMR Engineers Pte Ltd, MEP Consultant
Venturer Pte Ltd, Prefabrication
MACE International Limited, Project Manager
TW-Asia Consultants Pte Ltd, Structural Engineer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
