One & Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia

2021 National Architecture Awards shortlist

One & Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia | Kerry Hill Architects | Photographer: Rupert Peace


2021 National Architecture Awards: International Architecture

One & Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia | Kerry Hill Architects

Located on a secluded stretch of the south eastern Malaysian coastline, much of the 25 hectare site is made up of former fairways of a long established coastal golf course, framed on the inland and coastal edges by mature forest trees, creating a unique environment of calmness and privacy.

The resort comprises 46 guest suites, one villa and extensive public areas planned on the lower slopes of the site, facing lawns and the coastal forest.

Leading from the predominantly open public area pavilions, which sit on a strong stone base, a network of wide pathways pass through gardens, forested areas and walled courtyards to the guest accommodation and other facilities. Each guest suite comprises linked bedroom and bathroom pavilions arranged around a courtyard and plunge pool. Indoor and outdoor areas are given an equal measure of importance, providing guests with a range of options for use of the suite.

One & Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia | Kerry Hill Architects | Photographer: Rupert Peace
Client perspective: How does the design benefit the way you live/work/play/operate/educate/other?
“From conceptualisation to completion, spanning numerous years, KHA was committed to realising our aspiration for an intimate luxury hospitality experience that represented Malaysia. KHA translated our shared vision by blending timeless architecture within the natural environment, incorporating modernity and infusing facets of Malaysian architectural heritage and culture. One&Only Desaru Coast is beautifully integrated into a re-developed golf course and its coastal and forest surroundings with sustainability considered; a tree inventory was created and KHA designed around trees. The harmonised understanding between owner and architect was the critical success factor in manifesting this de􀃕ning benchmark in the Desaru Coast destination. benchmark in the Desaru Coast destination.”

Practice team:

Kerry Hill, Design Architect
Justin Hill, Design Architect
Angelo Kriziotis, Design Architect
Terry Fripp, Interior Architecture, Associate
David Gowty, Graduate of Architecture
Ranjit Waugh, Graduate of Architecture
Ivan Satriatama, Graduate of Architecture
Rossitza Iordanova, Graduate of Architecture
Michael Na, Graduate of Architecture
Mario Nevez, Graduate of Architecture
John Lim, Graduate of Architecture
Belinda Downer, Interior Design
Mylene Ng, Interior Design
Cathleen Wing-Kee, Interior Design
Nick Puah, Interior Design
Tan Fock Jee, Technician
Ken Lim, Models
Steven Lim, Technician
Alan Bajamundi, Visualisation
Lennie Laxamana, Visualisation

Construction team:

GDP Architects Sdn Bhd / Alma Architects Sdn Bhd, Architect of Record
Wan Husin & Associates Sdn Bhd, Civil & Structural Engineers
ARUP / Wan Husin & Associates Sdn Bhd, Mechanical, Fire & Electrical Engineers
CWL Lighting (BKK) Co., Ltd / Lumino Design Consultants Sdn Bhd, Lighting Consultant
ICN Design International Pte Ltd / WAA Design Sdn Bhd, Landscape Consultant
Northcroft Lim Perunding Sdn Bhd, Cost Consultant

National Partners

Principal Partner
National Corporate Partners
National Supporting Partners
National Supporting Partners
National Insurance Partner
National Media Partner
Preferred Photography Partner

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