Aqualina Eco Resort Villas on Koh Samui

The architects for the Aqualina resort villas on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand have created an elegant and sophisticated eco resort that uses the latest green techniques to accomplish a low carbon footprint.

They planted the A-shape roof with greenery to create a cooling thermal mass that helps bring down the temperature underneath, using natural means.

The “pyramid shape” theme also allows for billowing drafts to flow freely under cooling screens that keep the sun off the exterior walls.

Water draws cooled air directly into the long sleeping quarters wings of the villas.

Throughout all the interior spaces, the surfaces are slick and white with the coolness of marble floors.

The interior of the giant open shape of the public wing are cooled by whole house fans, keeping that pool-cooled air moving.

The larger pyramid is the open public space with a soaring ceiling, while the sleeping quarters are along the pool.

“Throughout our projects we have been attempting to explore the relationships betwen the site and the environment,” say the architects.

“We believe the building should be strongly linked to its site (aesthetically and materially) and be as energy efficient as possible.”

With the rise from a backpacker’s paradise to world-class holiday destination has come a new level of sophistication on Koh Samui.

The result is world-class eco resort chic design.

Located off the coast of Thailand, Koh Samui has an attractive contemporary edge over other island retreats in the region, where idyllic island living is enhanced by a plethora of world-class facilities available on the island.

There has been an explosion of architecturally superb resorts, spas, and restaurants for lifestyle seekers from Singapore, and Hong Kong, Europe and the U.S.

Koh Samui is famed for its natural beauty. Land and property prices are still expected to rise by as much as 15 – 20% due to the increasing demand for vacation living from regional hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.