Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

The design of Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa at Mai Khao beach was a challenge due to the projects various requirements and limitations. The site, relatively flat, deep and covered by numerous species of vegetation, has a western boundary stretching along the coast. The project is comprised of just over 200 guestroom units including 27 detached villas.

The design approach was premised on the notion that all rooms, and in particular the seaside villas, were to have unobstructed views of the ocean. This aesthetic atmosphere is meant to embrace guests with a strong impression the moment they arrive. This required careful zoning of the different buildings so as not to impose upon guests privacy.

The reception area, with main dining area below, was located at the front of the site, flanked on either side by guestroom wings set along the northern and southern boundaries. The middle section of the site, kept more open following the master plan, could then become the common facilities and garden, serving as view for the guestrooms. Visible from the reception lobby, this central area was created to visually impress guests upon arrival; it includes dense trees, waterfall, fresh water pond and family swimming pool in a natural setting. Hidden amidst the trees and surrounded by a lush green slope sits the circular spa structure, its treatment rooms radiating out from its central pool to provide independence and privacy in each room.

The view path connecting from the lobby lounge towards the main pool and the beach was intentionally laid out, with sand and coconut trees among other local plants, to enhance the guests experience of a tropical beach resort.

The resorts large swimming pool is lined with dark tiles and surrounded by a sun deck. The landscape design introduces grass as a mediating surface between the pool and the beach, allowing the natural tree line and vegetation along the beachfront to be preserved, while creating a shaded relaxation area.

Half of the beachfront area is occupied with villas placed amongst the existing trees behind walls that help maintain privacy. The beachfront communal building is strategically located at the end of the pool opposite the villas to prevent restaurant activities from disturbing guests. The swimming pool and landscaping thus act as a transitional space linking the two areas.

The resort was designed following a unique tropical eastern architectural style. The sloped roofs over the reception lobby and villas are softly curved like flower petals or turtle shells to reflect the natural habitats of the surrounding area.

Dark natural colors are used throughout the site with different elements emphasized by varying tones. The natural materials, expressed in the architecture, interiors and landscaping, were selected to complement one another and for their simplicity, elegance and warmth.

By Architects 49; Team: PrabhakornVadanyakul, PichaiWongwaisayawan, ChanaSumpalung

Location: Phuket, Thailand Completion: 2011 Owner: Seacon Hotels & Resorts Interior Architect: P49 Design and Associates Landscape Architect: Landscape Architects 49 Structural Engineer: Architectural Engineering 49 System Engineer: M&E Engineering 49 Contractor: Project Planning Services

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Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa