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Project in Detail

Capella Resort, Sentosa Island

Holiday
Singapore, Republic of
Foster + Partners
2009
World Architecture Festival 2009 - Shortlisted

Capella Resort on Sentosa Island 
Robert Reck 


Comprising a six-star hotel, villas and a centrepiece garden courtyard, the Capella Resort on Sentosa Island aims to achieve a strong sense of place, continuity and context by respecting the topography and sensitively integrating two carefully restored historic colonial buildings. It follows the natural contours of the site, cascading down the tiers of the hillside as it dissolves into a 12-hectare tropical sanctuary.

The masterplan and the scale of the new elements respectfully relate to the former military Tanah Merah buildings. Framed by the hotel, the buildings dominate the overall composition and provide a gateway to the resort. Views to these buildings from the grounds are largely retained and the hotel incorporates and extends them to frame a garden courtyard. This central space anchors the scheme and establishes a strong plan. A series of further gardens, cascading pools and suites trace the contours of the hillside in a gently layered arrangement. The intention is to regain the lush planting that had formerly existed on the site, so that the buildings will eventually appear to be lost within a rich landscape.

The unassuming treatment of the exteriors allows the landscape and the historic buildings to have prominence and is counterbalanced with the creation of an interior experience that is more dramatic. The villas, for example, while extremely simple in their design, encompass dynamic double-height spaces. The hotel will feature a range of accommodation for business and leisure, a ballroom and spa. Longer-term accommodation will be provided in Villa Suites and Sea Facing Suites lower down the hillside. In addition, the resort has extensive facilities for outdoor events.

Lead Architect »

Foster + Partners
 

Professional Credits »

Architect
Mr Gerard Evenden
Foster + Partners
United Kingdom

Client / Developer
Capella Hotels and Resorts
Singapore, Republic of

Collaborating Architect
DP Architects Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of

Cost Consultant
Davis Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of

ID
Jaya Associates
Singapore, Republic of

ID F&B
AFSO Designs
Singapore, Republic of

ID F&B
Design Studio SPIN
Singapore, Republic of

Landscape Architect
Belt Collins International (S) Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of

Lighting Consultant
Isometrix UK
United Kingdom

Main Contractor
Tiong Seng Contractors Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of

Mechanical Engineers
J. Roger Preston (S) Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of

Structural Engineer
Web Structures Pte Ltd
Singapore, Republic of