The Best of Asia Pacific Hospitality Design vol. 7

Banyan Tree Krabi – a locally infused resort in Southern Thailand offering an oasis of opportunities to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Boasting extensive views over a pristine sandy beach and the sapphire waters of the Andaman Sea, the newly opened Banyan Tree Krabi is nestled among landscaped gardens with a backdrop of lush forests. This beachfront property offers 72 spaciously stunning sea-facing pool suites and villas, each with a private pool. Other highlights include two restaurants; a beach bar; the Sunset Wedding Deck Banyan Tree Spa and much more.

The hotel is located on Tub Kaek beach, one of the most peaceful and tranquil beaches on the Andaman Sea coastline, surrounding by plentiful mountains and islands. Khao-Ngon-Nak or Ngon Naga mountain is protected by Toh- Naga, a sacred deity that is worshipped by the residents in Krabi. “Toh” is a personal pronoun to respected seniority and “Naka” is a representation of the great Serpent King.

Embodying a residential feel, London-based David Collins Studio crafted spaces peppered with subtle references to David Beckham’s renowned football career and his personal life. The use of traditional British tailoring fabrics patterns, such as houndstooth, Prince of Wales check, and pinstripe are a nod to London’s infamous Savile Row and Jermyn Street. Leather broguing details also reference his love of quintessentially British heritage brand Church’s Shoes. Regency timber-work lines the arrival hall, scattered with iconic pieces and beautifully lit images. A black and white chequer floor evokes the spirit of arrival – the instant backdrop to a million posts.

Gone are those typical endless corridor views. In their place eccentrically, fabric-lined foyers to enclose each suite’s entrance. Individuality, intrigue and exclusivity mark the space. You find your suite with ease. No need for room numbers – a unique coat of arms, inspired by London boroughs, adorns the door. And such a door. London lacquered, umbrella propped, newspaper rolled. Subtly lit with the warm glow of a London street of old. Whether blue or green, deep rich colours transport you through the lacquer lined, plaster crowned portal into your ultimate dream of residential luxury.

The designer takes nature, art, light and shadow as elements to create a dialogue between human settlements and cities. The project is located in Xi ‘an, China, a city with a history of more than 3,500 years. The designer combines the city’s cultural heritage with the surrounding natural environment to create a contemporary art space. This is something that must be carefully considered as it is difficult to create a space that is fully functioning with all these elements however HWCD have managed to do this as they all tie together.

Good buildings, like works of art, are timeless and full of the emotions of their occupants and users. In the design concept of the project, the delicate relationship between nature, architecture, people and the heart is integrated to see the big from the small, meet the eyes of the world, and stand in the beautiful scenery.

With the original intention of integrating nature and life, The project is also inspired by the environment and location in which it is situated. Every delicate detail is both functional and ornamental and walking through it is like entering the painting landscape. Let the aesthetic feeling of nature endow the living space with endless vitality.