As the only resort on Desroches Island, Seychelles, the intention was to create an escape into the rustic, laidback nature of a secluded island with this intimate 40-key Four Seasons Resort. We wanted this island resort to look better with age, to develop a patina, and we kept this in mind from the architectural details to the soft furnishing. Our design had to fit the tropical climate when we selected materials. We drew inspiration from African aesthetics such as tribal crafts, black & white patterns and bold use of colours. We believe in the appeal of homestay vacations. Every home is different because it exudes the characteristics of the host. We wanted to evoke the feel of visiting a private estate, to marvel in the curation of the host – eclectic but seemed right when put together. We also worked with experts from the Island Conservation Society to preserve the principles of ecotourism. With machine precision techniques absent, hand built aesthetics became a necessity. Hand rendered plastering, solid wood construction in lieu of veneer carpentry, beauty of manual concrete casting and the imperfections left behind by hand built formwork are celebrated as the design intent.
Bio The premise of eco.id, a multidisciplinary practice founded in 1996, is a modern and progressive approach to design. The firm’s comprehensive suite of services range from master planning and architecture to interior design and branding, and project typologies that span high-rise luxury condominiums and detached dwellings to retail boutiques, hotels and resorts. Regardless of scale, the emphasis is always on balancing aesthetics with rigour, and program with budget.
Other prizes 1) Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island: Architecture - Living space - Indian Ocean, Beach Destination 2) Hard Rock Hotel Maldives: Architecture - Living space - Beach Destination 3) InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort: Architecture - Living space - Resort – Luxury, Beach Destination, Indian Ocean 4) Renaissance Nanning: Interior design - Living space - Brand New category 5) Dalvey Haus: Architecture - Living space - Asia, Condominium 6) SO/ Maldives: Architecture - Living space - Resort – Luxury
