Shigeru Ban Architects has unveiled plans for Infinite Maldives, a five-hectare resort-residence under development by Crystal Property Group.
Located within the Malé Atoll, the property will comprise 44 over-water and beachfront villas, designed to embrace the Maldivian vernacular and champion biophilic principles. Each resident will have access to a private infinity pool, as well as their own outdoor lounging space.
The accomodation structures will be organised around four landscaped gardens designed by landscape architect Michel Desvigne, who has taken inspiration from Sri Lankan gardens such as Lunuganga by Geoffrey Bawa.
The resort will offer a number of additional amenities, including a fitness centre, spa and wellness facilities.
“What makes Infinite Maldives unique is that the resort blends in with the sea and the green nature in an ‘infinite’ manner,” says designer Shigeru Ban. “Conventional resort design usually starts by designing and arranging buildings first and placing water features and vegetation after, using the spaces left between the buildings. For Infinite Maldives, we first considered the resort’s landscape design by carefully defining the relationship between water, land, topography and vegetation, to make the most of this sense of place. The individual buildings were then carefully designed and placed within the landscape, with a focus on creating continuity and comfort between interior and exterior spaces, including the intermediate area.”
Ban continues: “To minimise the amount of transport and energy for construction and material production, we use various innovative pre-fabrication methods and focus on applying lightweight materials as well as recycled materials. In contrast to many developments selling ‘sustainability’ just as a label in the commercial sense, our aim is to create a place where people can relax mentally and physically, in harmony with the environment, taking in all its value. This makes the project a true act of sustainability.”
Reza Magdon Ismail, CEO of Crystal Property Group, adds: “We are proud to be delivering the first resort-residence and one-of-a-kind opportunity in the Maldives, which is a huge milestone for the country and a great achievement for us. We’re excited to bring our experience in developing high-end properties to this collaboration with The Cocoon Collection, and we’re honoured to be working with the fantastic Shigeru Ban. Between us all, we share the same ethos and ambition to create extraordinary living spaces the harmonise with the environment they sit in and align with the overall spirit of the Maldives.”
