Architects:
Foster + Partners
Location: La Gaulette,
Mauritius
Project Team: Foster + Partners, Jean Michel d’Unienville & Associates Architects
Interior Décor: Foster + Partners, Jean Michel d’Unienville & Associates Architects
Project Year: 2006
Photographer: Foster + Partners
Website: www.fosterandpartners.com
Structural Engineer: Arup Sigma
Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds, Hoolooman Project Services
M+E Engineer: Arup Sigma
Additional Consultants: Hodges Ward Elliot, Pam Golding International, Pam Golding International, PHA, Manly Development Services Ltd, BLC Chambers, Watson, Farley & Williams, Hawtree Gold Ltd, Imagine, C&M Consultants
From the Architects
The masterplan is for a discreet and environmentally intelligent architecture that blends harmoniously with the lush and extensive landscape.
Green fingers of lush vegetation extend down towards the sea, with a series of contemporary buildings inserted amid tropical plantings to create an architecture that at once responds to the contours of the landscape and recedes into the green totality. Forming a sculptural family, dramatic undulating timber-shingle roofs unify the built elements and reinvent island architecture.
Combined, these elements provide an idyllic haven in a luxuriant tropical garden, a pervading sense of tranquillity and luxurious relaxation.
Sustainable design principles are at the heart of the architectural approach, ensuring that the masterplan is not only energy efficient, but also helps regenerate the landscape. Built from natural, sustainable materials, the rich organic palette creates a seamless relationship between the buildings and the landscape.
Volcanic rock collected from the very site will be used, anchoring the resort to its surroundings, and other natural materials such as timber shingles, vegetation and water are dominant features in the masterplan. The striking wave-like, curving roofs are designed for optimum natural ventilation, and to collect rainwater for treatment and reuse.
Solar power will be harnessed and electric vehicles will be available for transport around the site. Offering privacy and exclusivity, the scheme creates a new model of luxury resort living.
If you want your own avatar and keep track of your discussions with the community, sign up to archiDATUM >>
The community driven project ´bridging Mzamba` originated in the urgent need of and request by surrounding inhabitants for a safe crossin...
Nick Gowing's L’Amandier Hotel emerges from the rich, red earth of the L’Amandier Plateau. So, whilst remaining true to the natural colou...
The Central African State of Rwanda, commonly known as the "land of a thousand hills", is rarely the focus of West European interests. On...
The house is set on a secluded, tranquil stand surrounded by established trees. The main house consists of 2 wings: the living wing and t...
The British Council is perhaps the biggest export of architectural heritage across the world, comparable only in second place to the Dutc...
In the open plain near the Malian village Gangouroubouro LEVS designed a new primary school. Similar to the primary school in Tanouan Ibi...