Issue 7 | Feature brought to you by Callisto Luxury Villas
An arm-chair travel experience to Koh Samui’s new luxury villa development
The Callisto Luxury Villas are a stunning four villa project on Koh Samui. Overlooking the magnificent Tongsai Bay, the development is perfectly placed on some of the island’s premium real estate. Built from the finest materials and extremely energy efficient, they are an entirely new concept of luxury living. The four free-standing properties are designed with functionality and comfort in mind as well as a visionary approach that integrates the living spaces with their unique natural surroundings.
The Callisto villas have been designed with an entirely clean slate and every stage of the construction has been meticulously planned and thought out. From the initial location chosen for its spectacular views, exclusivity and ease of access through to the extensive design phase, every inch of the four properties are thought through with a fresh perspective. The final result is a stunning example of original architecture and an entirely unique concept that stands out from a crowd of angular, boxlike villa structures.
Along with the design and location, no expense has been spared in building these properties with the very best materials. From solid oak doors to marble, porcelain tiles and tempered glass the structures are built with quality and durability in mind. It’s obvious when having a tour that villas are built to last.
All of the doors and frames throughout are built from solid oak and there is extensive use of white and black polished marble. Other types of stone are used to subtly vary the appearance of rooms and embellish design aspects, including Sukabumi, lava and granite. There are porcelain tiles inside and ceramic outside, with extensive use of frameless glass throughout the structure which is tempered for strength and crystal clear. The villa is built with double walls of white ‘super block’ bricks creating an air pocket that insulates and protects. The entire 220 m2 structure and foundation is built with marine-grade concrete to prevent erosion. Walls are finished with plaster and skim coat for added durability.
To compliment this forward-thinking approach, the best new technology available has been utilized to make the villas as energy efficient as possible with the minimal environmental impact on the tropical eco system they inhabit. The villas extensively utilize different lighting techniques to create mood and atmosphere. This is achieved through the use of the very latest LED lighting technology, something the designers are experts in.
Indeed, the Callisto villas are resplendent at night, with various carefully positioned lights illuminating a stunning spectacle. Some of the lighting is obvious, some of it extremely subtle. The down-lighting on the main living area’s windows are a centre-piece, while fiber optic stars twinkle under foot in the swimming pool and ensuite shower floor. Incredibly, this new technology consumes a fraction of the usual power required – all of the lighting throughout an entire Callisto villa is rated at under 400 watts, or 4 standard light bulbs.
This environmentally friendly approach also extends to the other main electricity consuming feature, the air conditioning system. The villa only requires three units to keep it cool throughout even the hottest days. Not only that, Daikin top of the range air conditioning units are used with a unique water cooling system that achieves 30% more efficiency – the entire villa is effectively cooled by the equivalent of only two standard units. To complete this cycle of efficiency, hot water is then provided through the air conditioning heat recovery system.
The other potential impact on the environment is the chlorine used in a standard swimming pool. Remarkably, the Callisto private swimming pools use no chemicals whatsoever. Instead they use a non-aggressive, mineral treated water that is cleaned using a copper and silver alloy electrode in the filtering system. This is so efficient that if the pool isn’t swum in for 48 hours, it becomes so clean it actually exceeds US drinking water standards. You are literally swimming in fresh, clean water. The total electrical consumption of the building is around 8kw. This is an amazingly low amount of power for a villa this size – a standard equivalent property would usually require three times that amount.
Transcending typical, repetitive angular pool villas, Callisto shines with curved architecture and minimal obstructions. More than a home, they are personal platforms for viewing the earth and sky above, enabling an incredible, uninterrupted 180 degree panorama of the stunning natural world outside. Callisto Luxury Villas offer a unique investment opportunity that responds to a growing demand for unique design and quality materials. Own a magnificent property and invest in a concept that stands out as an example of Asia’s premier villa architecture.
