Tag Archives: luxury villa

The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa

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Nestled amidst the lush woods of Bali, a symmetrical haven awaits those seeking solace and elegance. At first glance, it’s apparent that this villa is not just another architectural marvel; it’s a seamless blend of Japanese inspiration with a touch of Balinese flair, creating an atmosphere of understated grace and natural harmony. I find a lot of overlap between the two architectural styles.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The villa’s design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, evident in its distinctive Yosemune roofs. These exaggerated curves immediately capture the eye and evoke the essence of Japanese design principles overlapping with the Balinese. But what truly sets this villa apart is its ingenious incorporation of these elements into the tranquil landscape of Bali.

Wood is the cornerstone of Japanese architecture, chosen for its resilience in the face of earthquakes. Similarly, this villa embraces the warmth and versatility of wood, creating a space that not only withstands the test of time but also invites inhabitants to coexist harmoniously with nature. Every corner of the villa exudes a sense of tranquility, with natural materials seamlessly blending into the surrounding environment.

Perched on the slope of a mountain, the villa offers a journey of discovery from top to bottom. Upon entering from the top, guests are greeted by a central stairway leading to the heart of the villa. Here, an open kitchen and dining area await, seamlessly transitioning to a poolside oasis where one can indulge in a refreshing dip while savoring the beauty of the surroundings.

The bedrooms, situated on either side of the pool, offer a serene retreat with their cantilevered net seating—a Balinese interpretation of traditional balconies. Inside, wood and bamboo interiors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, inviting guests to unwind and rejuvenate.

Throughout the villa, a variety of seating areas are available, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. From day beds to sunken seating areas, there’s a spot for every mood and occasion, ensuring that guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the woods at any time of day.

At the lowest level, an open bath awaits, allowing guests to shower amidst the serenity of the woods—a truly immersive experience that reconnects them with nature. A distinctive element of every property in Bali!

Perhaps most importantly, the villa’s design prioritizes privacy, ensuring that every room and corner offers a sanctuary away from the outside world. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal al fresco, guests can relish in the seclusion and tranquility of their surroundings.

The post The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Picture-Perfect Tropical Getaway Inside A Dolphin Shaped Retreat

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All of us have a phase in our lives when we just want to go on a picture-worthy holiday in the middle of the forest and just relax and take it all in, don’t we? This enchanting world of the Dolphin Villa is a dreamy retreat inspired by the graceful form of a dolphin, lodged by the side of a serene lake. Imagine a holiday where every corner is a photo opportunity, and relaxation takes center stage giving you the most immersive experience you could ask for.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The first and most attractive feature of the Dolphin Villa lies in its design, mirroring the graceful shape of a dolphin. The villa stands elevated on speculative bamboo, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment. Accessible via a charming stairway leading to a deck, the villa invites guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest.

As you approach the villa, you’re greeted by a whimsical stairway leading to an elevated bamboo platform. The journey begins with an outdoor bathtub at the tail of the dolphin, setting the tone for a unique and refreshing experience. Climb up the stairs, and you’ll discover a cozy bedroom with a kitchen cleverly nestled beneath the main fin. The kitchen is equipped with all the essentials, making it convenient for you to whip up a quick snack or a delightful meal. But the real charm lies in the outdoor suspended deck with net seating—a thrilling spot for the adventurous souls who trust the magic of a suspended net.

The villa offers various seating options strategically placed ensuring that you can find the perfect spot to revel in the forest views and embrace the ambiance of forest living. From cozy corners to the suspended net seating, every detail is thoughtfully designed to enhance the overall experience. For those seeking a refreshing dip, a mini elevated pool adds an extra touch of luxury to the retreat.

The villa is intelligently designed with ample ventilation, it embraces the open-air concept with circular windows on the covered side ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. Picture-perfect moments are not in short supply, but the highlight of the property is the vertical nest-like spot providing an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the views of the lake. This spot is not just a seating area but a visual feast, allowing guests to capture memories against the stunning backdrop of the lake—an ideal addition to any memory album.

Whether you’re planning a vacation with a small group of friends or a couple in search of a romantic retreat, Dolphin Villa offers the perfect setting. From the innovative design inspired by a dolphin’s form to the variety of unique features and breathtaking views, this villa offers an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional getaways.

The post A Picture-Perfect Tropical Getaway Inside A Dolphin Shaped Retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.

Orchid-shaped villa is rare beautiful combination of nature-inspired architecture and luxurious living

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Orchids are some of the most famously precious plant species just for how specific their cultivation needs are. An orchid is easily 30-50 times more expensive than a rose, so it only made sense that Thilina Liyanage chose that flower as inspiration for his luxury villa design, located somewhere on the banks of a rocky creek. The Orchid Villa is a rather eye-catching jewel emerging out of the wilderness. The luxury holiday home sits away from civilization, providing its residents with the perfect getaway residence for a weekend or two. The multi-level residence comes with living quarters on the lower floor, a private pool on the terrace, and a cantilever hammock that hangs right above an adjoining lake, giving you an incredible lounging spot to watch the sunsets.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Orchid Villa falls perfectly into Liyanage’s nature-inspired style, but one could argue that this is perhaps one of his most beautiful pieces yet, with an aesthetic that almost perfectly balances elegance and visual commitment with spatial practicality. Sounds like a mouthful? Let me explain myself…

With the Orchid Villa, Liyanage’s done a remarkable job of fitting the proportions of a villa into the orchid shape without really any sort of compromise. The building still looks remarkably like its inspiration, with petals forming the walls and the facade on the side, and one lilting petal on the front that not only exposes the interiors, but also provides the perfect base for the hammock deck that emerges from the living quarters. It’s a beautiful building that looks exactly like the flower and serves almost perfectly as a luxury villa too.

Like almost all of Liyanage’s creations, the villa is realized using bent pieces of bamboo, assembled together to form the orchid shape. The bamboo is then clad with a translucent fabric that lets you see each individual bamboo column, almost looking like the veins in the petals of the flower. A clever use of lights allows the flower to change colors too, bringing a unique aesthetic to the overall architecture, and making it look just as beautiful at night as it looks during the day!

The post Orchid-shaped villa is rare beautiful combination of nature-inspired architecture and luxurious living first appeared on Yanko Design.

This luxury holiday home is every grown-up & child’s dream with an architecture designed to deliver ultimate fun!

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If you have ever dreamed of having a treehouse, a pool, a slide, and more in your house but gave it all up because grown-ups can’t have fun, then do I have good news for you! PLA2 is a luxury house is made to incorporate the most fun activities – both indoor and outdoor – into its architecture and interior design. It is an extension of the Z9 resort in Thailand and therefore the holiday vibe is continued with PLA2. The floating villa lets you enjoy water rafting, karaoke, laze by the pool or sleep in the giant net over the water while still living in a modern structure.

PLA2 is close to the Z9 resort so all necessary supplies come from there. The slides and sloped stargazing beds are perfect for people of all ages to have their dream camping night. The team also plans to include a large movie screen for private screenings at the villa. The theme was inspired by active elements and words like dynamic, moving, energy, and vitality which resonates through the structure.

The exterior is inspired by the local fish which can be seen in the rounded curves of the cladding. The shape has two abstract volumes that echo the anatomies of a male and female snake-head fish swimming together. Males are smaller in size, and fresher in color, while females are larger and darker – hence the differences in tone and size observed in each spatial block. The main structure has a balloon frame to make the construction more dispersed and lighter in weight. It includes a water storage system a tugboat, and a backup generator for electricity in case the Z9 Resort can’t be accessed for supplies.

Just like the fish that swim together, the space is designed to blend in with each other in a harmonious flow both internally and externally. The rooms can be all opened up into one space during the day to make most of the natural light and wind while at night they can be separated to create sleeping zones and privacy. Nautical details inspired by submarines can be seen in the door handles or circular windows.

Wood and steel are the main materials used for construction. There are two different shades of wood – reflecting the female/male distinction. Each wooden volume is then punctuated by rusty-looking etched steel frames on the front façades, evoking the gills of the snake-head fish when its mouth opens up. To further illustrate freshwater life, the outdoor pool stands out with its light blue tone while darker and more sandy colors accentuate the interiors – from the bedroom suite to the entrance hall and gathering space. PLA2 incorporates all the fun activities while paying tribute to the local ecosystem beautifully!

Designer: Dersyn Studio

The post This luxury holiday home is every grown-up & child’s dream with an architecture designed to deliver ultimate fun! first appeared on Yanko Design.

The world’s first solar-powered luxury yacht is actually a floating villa worth $10.5 million!

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Do you also think about living in a modern luxury villa that is also a yacht powered by solar panels so you can lead the ultimate sustainable lifestyle of your dreams? Me too, and lucky for us (if being lucky also includes the $5.5 million base model cost) Waterstudio.NL and a Miami-based shipping company called Arkup have designed this insane dreamboat – literally! Called the Arkup 75, this flagship product combines luxury with off-the-grid living.

Arkup 75 lets you live in comfort and luxury in total autonomy – enjoy life between the sea, the sky, and the city. The 75 feet long yacht has a total living space of 4,350 sqft!

Arkup is a game-changer for the hospitality market when it comes to self-sustainable, blue developments. floating and overwater eco-resorts a reality with the versatility to scale, configure, even relocate. “We are revolutionizing life on the water. We leverage Arkup products and expertise for fast deployment, modular, floating communities that you scale according to market demands,” says the team.

The livable villa has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a giant living space, a spacious kitchen, and a sliding deck all divided between two levels. It also has a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels so let you live off the grid comfortably!

Arkup livable yachts combine the best attributes of yachts, floating houses, and waterfront villas, with the added benefits of being self-sufficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The Arkup livable yacht was conceived to be “future-proof”, from its ability to withstand or avoid extreme weather events to its self-contained systems that allow fully off-the-grid living.

The base model will cost $5.5 million and will come with the core amenities as well as the furniture but if you want a fully specced out version, the Arkup 75 can go well up to $10.5 million!

It is built to be energy efficient and incorporate a sustainable lifestyle with technology and systems in place like multiple solar panels on the roof and an intricate rainwater harvesting system with two 4000 gallon water tanks.

It also is modular and has stilts in case you want to dock your luxury home in the shallow waters of a remote island instead of drifting along the skyline of a big city.

The 2,300 sqft roof collects the rainwater and is covered with 36 kW solar electric panels which generate sufficient green energy to live off-the-grid. Live ecologically while being self-sufficient with water and electricity. Enjoy living off the grid and feel the satisfaction of minimizing your carbon footprint.

The smart communications system including satellite TV and WI-FI antennas, LTE, and VHF to stay connected at all times.

Rainwater is collected from the roof, then stored in the hull and purified to ensure freshwater full-autonomy. The hull also accommodates separate technical rooms for hydraulic, electrical, and storage room.

The 2,300 sqft roof is covered with 36 kW solar electric panels which generate sufficient green energy to live off-the-grid.

Two noise-free electric thrusters of 136 hp each rotate 180° for the best maneuverability to propel the yacht up to 5 knots.

The four 40ft long hydraulic legs allow to anchor in up to 20ft water depths and lift the livable yacht above the sea level.

Arkup 75 is also designed to be resistant against category 4 hurricane winds and have high insulation so that you can choose to live your best remote/flexible lifestyle in different climates while being safe.

The 456 sqft retractable terrace adds plenty of outdoor space and is surrounded by shock resistant glass railings. The sun deck located at the stern can be immersed, turning into a sea pool.

Designer: Waterstudio.NL

The post The world’s first solar-powered luxury yacht is actually a floating villa worth $10.5 million! first appeared on Yanko Design.

This sustainable, self-sufficient, prefab house can be flat-packed & it looks like a cruise ship!

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When you can’t go on a cruise, you bring the cruise home – literally! The Sail House is a spacious, self-sufficient, nautical-themed home with a unique form inspired by large white sails on ships. It is designed by Los Angeles-based architect David Hertz who is celebrated for sustainable architecture. Sail House was also selected as the 2021 Architizer A+Awards Jury Winner for Residential/Private House!

Sail House has a central structure called the main house with several guest houses bordering it and all nestled on the lush Bequia Island in the Caribbean – didn’t I say it literally brings a cruise home? Since the Caribbean is a notoriously difficult area to source building materials, the team made sure that the entire project – the main house and the guesthouses – were prefabricated offsite, flat-packed, and delivered in 15 shipping containers. This ensured minimal site impact to the sensitive ecosystem and was nearly zero waste which is important because otherwise, the construction waste would have had to be transported out of the island which would increase emissions.

The luxurious home was named after its eye-catching tensile roofs inspired by the history of sailing on the island. “The main inspiration for the Sail House was a wooden boat with its masts and sails, the expressed stainless steel rigging and hardware, which is referenced in the home,” said Hertz. The roof membranes also act as a rain collection system by funneling water into a concrete foundation for storage. This nifty system provides for 100% of water needs and the air pulled from the stored water is then used to cool the space when needed. Additionally, the cantilevered roofline provides more shade and ventilation to increase cooling naturally. The electricity needs are covered by solar panels.

Both the interior and exterior of Sail House include natural construction materials such as woven palm, coconut shell fragments and surfaces crafted by Javanese and Balinese artisans. “Sustainability was one of the main goals of the Sail House project. The non-corrosive and termite-resistant aluminum structural system is wrapped in reclaimed ironwood planks recycled from an abandoned pier in Borneo, as are the plank floors, decks, and the vertical louvers that control low sun and prevailing breezes,” Hertz explained. It is truly one of the most beautiful, resilient, and functional homes I’ve seen that flawlessly balances luxury with sustainability!

Designer: David Hertz Architects





This prefab holiday home in Netherlands has transforming rooms that go from day to night instantly!

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Yes, you read that right – it has a flexible layout which means no need to build separate rooms for different purposes that are divided by walls like a traditional home.

For the last 15 months, all of us have been planning our post-pandemic vacations and this holiday home is now on top of my wishlist because of its gorgeous design! The luxury cabin-style structure is located on the Dutch island of Texel in the Netherlands and is just a short walk to the North Sea. Designed by Rotterdam-based Orange Architects, the modern villa saves space thanks to its prefabricated construction and flexible layout.

Yes, you read that right – it has a flexible layout which means instead of building separate rooms for different purposes that are divided by walls like a traditional home, the designers optimized the floor plan with prefab, multifunctional spaces that can be transformed or divided temporarily to create separate zones for different functions.

Since it is a holiday home, the villa has to serve more purposes than a regular house because people will tend to spend more time together in communal areas by day and only use private spaces at night. The team of architects designed rooms in a way that they served at least two functions to keep a compact volume while still maximizing space. Each room is a fluid open space during the day and can be turned into a private one by night.

During the day, the villa serves as one continual space during the day, and at night residents can separate different sections by either closing the wooden panels in the hall or turning them 90 degrees. There is also a hidden shower and sink to create an en suite bathroom! The walls and roof were prefabricated at the contractor’s workshop before being transported to the island to save construction costs. The villa has a black wooden shell which is beautifully complemented by warm wood interior tones.

My favorite part is the south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows which extend the main living room area onto a covered terrace and adjacent garden. Several skylights on the upper floor bring in more natural light and the villa is also fitted with sloping rooftop solar panels as well as a rainwater drainage system for irrigation. I could move here permanently as long as they have a good wifi connection!

Designer: Orange Architects

 

 

 

 

This solar-powered luxury resort has 100 sustainably designed villas spread over 90 islands that boost eco-toursim!

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Nothing will stop me from dreaming about endlessly traveling the world again. So I am building out a 10 year travel plan to make up for this pandemic and I am adding the Red Sea Project by Kengo Kuma & Associates to it – who wouldn’t want to spend time in an oasis of luxury villas in Saudi Arabia? The project was commissioned by the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) hence the name of the resort and it aims to set new standards in sustainable development while making its mark as a global tourism destination.

This ambitious resort will span over 90 currently undeveloped islands between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. There will be 100 spacious villas on the Ummahat Al Shaykh Island with low-rise curved roofs and curvilinear facades that change based on whether the villa is built on land or over water. Due to the relatively flat terrain of the island, the team recommended a design that would work with low, horizontal volumes and therefore the gently curves the roof find a harmonious relationship with the ground. The land villas emulate the sand dunes while the ones on the water called coral villas showcase a spiraled form that offers 360-degree-views of the sea. The team also designed two specialty restaurants, one on land and one over water that will have a curved, shell-like canopy, as well as a community building, a spa, a reception pavilion, housekeeping villas, and a guest jetty.

The Tokyo-based architecture studio is all about embracing the natural setting and drawing inspiration from the existing landscape as well as the rich heritage of the region. The natural setting compliments the architectural language and frames the buildings with artificial sand dunes and locally sourced vegetation. “Our design for the island buildings was inspired by the beautifully natural occurring elements of the island. The relatively flat terrain of the island suggested a design that works with low, horizontal volumes and that we should look to gently curve the roof of the buildings to find a harmonious relationship with the ground,” said the team at Kengo Kuma & Associates. The studio chose to use salt-resistant Accoya wood, suitable for the saline-high environment, and clay plaster for their designs.

Meanwhile, TRSDC is developing a range of policies that focus on zero-waste-to-landfill, zero discharge to the sea, and zero single-use plastics. The company has also made a commitment to achieve 100% carbon neutrality as they want to boost the eco-tourism industry using the Red Sea Project. The villas and all their surrounding structures will run completely on renewable energy without being dependent on the national grid – a decision supported by the leadership of the Kingdom as it encourages a balanced development of their pristine local area and entices international tourists to visit places outside the famous cities. The teams decided to minimize the use of concrete as it contributes 8% to the world’s carbon emissions. They will facilitate offsite manufacturing to reduce construction timeframes and waste. “The remote and pristine site suggested the use of prefabrication systems. We are using a mix of volumetric and panelized prefabrication,” added the team.

The Red Sea Project is a luxury retreat that is being built as part of a large-scale infrastructure focused on renewable energy, water conservation, and re-using resources to minimize waste. “The best location for the water buildings was chosen through accurate bathymetry investigation, biodiversity studies, and marine engineering studies, in an attempt to prevent any damage to the coral reef and avoiding interfering with the sea currents,” explained the team at Kengo Kuma & Associates. The grand plan even includes a special airport designed by Foster + Partners exclusively for this destination! The first phase of construction is set to be completed soon and a part of the resort will open in 2022 which will have five developed islands as well as two inland sites. By 2030, the destination will be complete with 22 islands and six inland sites. The Japanese architecture studio has taken all measures in their design to respectful of the extreme environmental sensitivity of the region by choosing a light-touch approach that will have the least detrimental impact on the rich biodiversity of the islands.

Designer: Kengo Kuma & Associates

A solar-powered floating Airbnb that lets you be a sustainable traveler!

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Unprecedented circumstances where we are all cooped up in our houses during summer just means one thing – bookmarking Airbnb houses and organizing your Pinterest board by what vacation would you like to take in all four seasons. Why a different board for a different season? Because summer is likely to be canceled and we must be prepared with holiday homes, like the Lilypad, that can provide an exclusive experience at any time of the year. I am sure you have seen this before – traveling is canceled (for now) but dreaming isn’t, so with all this extra time I encourage you to join me in daydreaming of a recovery weekend in floating Australian Airbnb.

The Lilypad is a luxury villa designed by Chuck Anderson and is anchored just north of Sydney’s Palm Beach. Anderson is a boat enthusiast so it is no surprise that he created a floating house! This beautiful Airbnb is also eco-conscious, it is completely solar-powered and is slowly helping us pivot towards sustainable travel. The exterior of the house is made from timber and includes an open living area, a wine cellar, a sleeping loft and, of course, a bathroom (for all that wine that we will consume post quarantine on our holiday!). To feel fancy, you have an al fresco dining (means you can eat your food while enjoying the breeze and sun when going outside is cool again) and sunbathing area on the lower level which also boasts of an expansive terrace.

“Lilypad Palm Beach was born by breaking the mold of traditional boating design to create the most unique sustainable escape with uncompromised luxuries,” says Anderson. The white interiors are a soothing contrast to the blue waters and make the natural light that comes in glow more. It’ll also be fun to have a paddleboard race on the waterfront as this Airbnb comes equipped with paddleboards, fishing equipment, and a tender to take to the beach nearby. To add a cherry on top of this dream vacation, the property also comes with a 24-hour concierge who can arrange for on-site massages. Go on, check out, I am going to stay here in my daydream for now.

Designer: Lilypad by Chuck Anderson