Issue 13 | Feature brought to you by Anamaya, IVL Property
Buildings can take many forms. Skyscrapers towering over cities vying to become the latest tall structure, glass structures such as the Louvre in Paris or even buildings that have been created by recycling existing materials such as the conversion of shipping containers into usable homes. Many of these concepts are considered to be unusual, and sit in stark comparison to their setting that they are built in. A bit like marmite, you either love or hate them.
Anamaya is no different. The design is far from boring thanks to Misha Povstaniuk of A-MDM, but what the developer has set out to do is to create something unique, but still fits within its surrounding landscape.
“We wanted to create something flowing and curved, that feels and looks organic,” says Steve Hinchliffe, marketing director of Anamaya Co. Ltd.
The island of Samui is arguably one of Thailand’s most stunning locations. White sandy beaches meet turquoise waters, against a backdrop of palm trees and a terrain of smooth boulders. These boulders were the inspiration for Anamaya and whilst to some the design may be considered to be futuristic, and even resembles that of the homes featured in the 1960s cartoon sitcom ‘The Jetsons’ which starred a family living in an utopian future, Hinchliffe reminds us that the future is not as far away we may think, “Something that is considered to be futuristic actually isn’t, as that is the time we are in now.”
Good and interesting design is about making something that is iconic, but works and functions in practical terms now and in decades to come. Some of the world’s leading architecturally designed buildings are proof of this. Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers were built over 20 years ago and The Empire State Building in New York was built in the 1930s, but still both look cutting edge today.
For creative designs to work and be a success, astute care and attention is needed. A perfect neat finish is essential with smooth joins as any flaws can be easily spotted and immediately detract from the overall look. This is why Anamaya Co. Ltd. is using 3D printing concrete methods to build. A technique that they are pioneering in Koh Samui, and possibly the whole of Thailand.
3D printing of complex elements using fibro cement allows exact precise shapes and sizes to be produced that make up the fabrication of the building, something that traditional building methods would not be able to achieve.
As the building’s structures are produced off site, simultaneously the foundations are dug, speeding up the build by as much as 60 percent. Not only can amazing shapes be created with curvature and intense detail, but the choice of concrete is vital for Anamaya’s future. Strong, durable, and easy to maintain will ensure that Anamaya remains looking sharp and pristine for many years to come.
The villas sit on the peak of the peninsular boasting some of the most enviable sea views, but also from the sea, the curve of Anamaya’s villas resemble clouds hovering above the hills. Anamaya is definitely setting out what it promises to do: creating an iconic building but one that blends into its settings and Koh Samui itself.
The clever positioning of the villas provides dual aspect east and west. Often a choice needs to be made whether to pick a property with a sunrise or sunset aspect, but at Anamaya’s Villas you can enjoy both with its 270 degree panoramic views. This is a unique selling point alone, but team it with the slick design and bespoke finishes at Anamaya and you have a rather special result. And this is what led Anamaya Co. Ltd. to build a west facing wedding piazza adjoined to one of the villas for guest to hire and enjoy for special events amongst the development’s other facilities that include a restaurant and bar, health and beauty spa, yoga studio, squash and racquet ball court, and business centre.
Anamaya is for those who appreciate design and skill. As Hinchliffe comments, “People want something to stand out, something that is different from the norm. Design that people can admire and not get tired of. We can embrace that at Anamaya by using the most cutting edge techniques to create exciting properties for people to enjoy”