Commercial
As one project became the testimony for another, Upni Duniya was conceived in Mexico for a waterfront resort residence in Thailand. Unlike its cousin - Casa Caracol, this beach house wishes to unify heaven to earth. Again water is the unifying element, both in the form of the infinity pool and various interconnecting ponds. There are seven buildings, each connected by a network of stepping stones, terraces and garden walls – a tropical water garden with a rustic chic. Openness to overseas influences yet anchored to an age-old attention to detail helped define a new aesthetic – traditional with a twist. Drawing on classical temple motifs and the exquisite art of gold-leaf stenciling, Upni Duniya is indicative of a modern approach to an art form once contemplated for sacred places. The interplay of contemporary and classical is matched by a daring dynamic between European and Eastern furnishings and accents. There is plenty of natural light and airflow, and the interiors blend, Zen simplicity with traditional Thai materials. Perhaps the greatest delight of this exotic residence is that it whispers the legendary Siamese duality, Romance and Wonder.
- client :: Salim Jiwa
- date :: March 2007
- location :: Koh Samui, Thailand
- size :: 5,000 sq ft
- team :: Chris Doray, Waqar Aziz
- architect-of-record :: Kam Jorn
- landscape architect :: Pariya Sheanakul
- interior designer :: David Less
