INTERCONTINENTAL PHUKET RESORT KAMALA BEACH

This resort of 222 rooms and villas is located on Kamala Beach, on the western coast of Phuket. It occupies two distinct land plots. One is next to the beach, where existing pine trees are retained as much as possible. The other makes up the larger portion of the resort and is located on empty flat land next to the hillside.

The design concept was to create on this vacant land a visual and architectural representation of ‘Thai-ness.’ The hotel became a platform to re-tell the ‘Traibhumikatha’, the oldest Thai text, which sets out an explanation of heaven. Thai artists have re-interpreted the Traibhumikatha through painting and sculpture from many perspectives.

For this project, the theme of heaven was selected for architectural interpretation, focusing on four central components:

The Form of Heaven: In mural paintings in ancient Thai temples, heaven’s pavilions are interpreted to be tall and grand in shape, with multi-roof tiers with the uppermost spire reaching up to the sky. This is still the motif used by Thai artists today. The spire form is applied to the resort’s main pavilion, which forms the centerpiece of the development.

The Sky on Earth: The reflective glass mosaic tile is used as the wall finish to external walls of the Cluster Villas, in order to lighten the mass. These walls enclose the axial way to the main pavilion. The reflection of the sky from the mosaic wall will make the guests feel like as if they are walking on the clouds.

The Passage to Heaven: Another perception of heaven is that it exists up above, not on the ground. This is symbolized by the stairs ascending to the main pavilion.

The Angels’ Floating Abode: Buildings in heaven are believed to float in the sky and be surrounded by the sacred ocean. In this way, the main pavilion is surrounded by a large lotus pond. The reflection of the sky on the pond and the mosaic wall leading to the main pavilion reinforce this idea.