X2 Resort Kui Buri (Prachuab Khiri Khan, Tailandia)

Member of design hotels TM.X2 Kui Buri is located on the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 3 hour drive from Bangkok, just past the popular resort towns of Hua Hin and Pranburi. The general area is underdeveloped and peaceful with the only communities being local fishing villages. The resort is located on virgin beachfront land covering over 8 acres. The 23 semi private villas each have their own terrace, garden and private pools.The existing landscape of large well developed trees was kept, and provides a unique atmosphere punctuated by large open spaces and unique natural horticulture.The challenge was to create identical villas that can each provide a unique experience. To answer this interesting challenge the orientation of the villa relative to its terrace, pool, garden area are different for each unit. This provides a unique experience and outlook even though the villa construction is actually identical.The idea for the use of stones comes from the seasonal appearance of sea pebbles that find them self scattered along the beach during winter months. The ''Mountain Rock'' used throughout the resort are all from local quarries.The external stone walls of the Villas appear as wall and not as a building, creating an invisibility of design. What is a structural wall for one villa appears as a fence wall to other villa.By using this invisible wall design and clever landscaping; villas are private without the need to be encased in four high fences. This reduces construction costs and importantly allows cool sea breezes to pass through the villa area with minimal disruption. It provides privacy without isolation.The boardwalk arrangement was developed from a maze, where a journey is an experience of unknowns?with each turn of a corner uncovering a new visual experience.Lighting throughout the resort is also invisible. The general areas have a soft hidden lighting whereby structure is illuminated without being obviously lit.