Tonny Wirawan Suriadjaja is the principal at TWS & Partners, a Jakarta-based architecture and interior design firm specialising in hospitality, lifestyle and residential developments. One of their highlight projects is PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort, recognised for its innovative local architecture and commitment to sustainability, blending luxury with environmental consciousness. The following is an excerpt from an interview with Indonesia Design regarding the resort project and the firm’s involvement in the design.
What was the client’s initial brief for the design of the resort?
The client envisioned a five-star resort that harmonises with the surrounding environment whilst offering a unique guest experience. The brief emphasised blending commercial viability with a resort concept on a 3.7-hectare site, where we would incorporate hotels, villas, a ballroom, and commercial spaces, including shopping suites. The entire process took about 12 years, with the project itself delayed by two years due to the pandemic.
How did PARKROYAL influence or alter your original design concept for the resort?
Throughout the process, we collaborated closely with PARKROYAL’s management, refining our initial designs to better meet their vision and operational needs. Feedback from the management team was invaluable in iterating our designs. This was to ensure that the final concept was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
What innovative elements did you incorporate into the resort?
We reinvented traditional architectural concepts, taking inspiration from local architecture, like the Rumah Panggung (stilt house), and integrating them into our design. This approach led to features such as pilot is to elevate buildings and allow guests to enjoy outdoor spaces without direct sun exposure. Our aim was to enhance both beauty and functionality, to create spaces that allow for natural light and ventilation whilst providing comfort.
How does the design contribute to the guest experience?
The design of the resort was focused on providing guests with an intimate connection to nature whilst still offering the luxurious amenities expected from a high-end resort. The architecture maximises ocean views and allows for natural ventilation. This is to create a soothing atmosphere throughout the resort.
The open-air spaces and integration of indoor and outdoor areas allow guests to feel connected to the environment, whether they are lounging by the pool, dining at one of the resort’s restaurants, or simply walking through the gardens. Every detail, from the layout to the choice of materials, was crafted to enhance the overall sense of tranquillity and escape.
How do sustainability and environmental considerations play a role in your design approach for the resort, and how did you integrate local culture and context?
Sustainability is central to our design philosophy, so as to ensure efficiency and the use of sustainable materials. Our environmentally conscious approach earned a two-floor bonus from the city council, allowing for increased height that maximises ocean views. In addition, local culture significantly influenced our design. One example is the building’s outer walls that resemble the flaps of an eagle, reflecting Langkawi’s identity as the “island of the eagle. ”This blend of local wisdom with a modern architectural language creates a contemporary narrative that honours traditional concepts.
Looking ahead, what trends in architecture and design do you see influencing future hotel developments?
The future of hotel design will increasingly prioritise sustainability and maximising natural resources. The pandemic has shifted perspectives towards appreciating the outdoors, and we anticipate that future designs will reflect this desire whilst incorporating strategies to keep guests comfortable in South East Asia’s climate. Our goal is to create spaces that allow people to enjoy the outdoors whilst also providing protection from the sun.