C Villa: A Fusion of Traditional and Modern Design on Koh Samui Island
Koh Samui, Thailand – For a tropical paradise well-known for its high-end luxury spas and posh resorts, it’s no surprise that there’s a very particular Western influence when it comes to the design and architecture of the Thai island’s traveler-centric structures. However, one design firm is breaking the mold with their latest creation, C Villa.
VARRODESIGN, a multi-award winning architectural and design firm, was tasked with creating a vacation apartment complex on the gorgeous island of Koh Samui that would cater to the expectations of the typical clientele while still staying true to the traditional Thai culture. The result is a stunning fusion of modern and traditional design elements that have guests raving.
The team at VARRODESIGN knew that it was necessary to tap into local cultures and traditional Thai architecture to create a space that could at once embrace its guests in natural beauty while also creating a contemporary and luxurious environment. The goal was to ensure that there was not a single moment of disappointment, allowing guests to fully realize their travel-brochure imagination of the perfect Thai vacation.
“There’s a duality about Koh Samui,” says Zoltan Varro, the lead designer behind C Villa’s elegant look. “Thailand conjures images of traditional wooden huts on glistening sandy beaches, the natural beauty. But equally, Koh Samui is popular for contemporary villas and its modern nightlife.” Zoltan wanted to incorporate this duality of Thailand into the building for a space that can embrace its guests in both natural beauty and contemporary luxury.
The ground floor of the hilltop building was initially seen as a challenge due to its lack of sprawling vistas and close proximity to neighboring buildings. However, VARRODESIGN saw this as an opportunity to create a “secret garden” that highlighted the duality of the island. The ground floor serves as a sanctuary from the larger communal spaces, where guests can receive traditional Thai massages, cool off in the small pool, or relax in their own private garden surrounded by palm trees and local plants.
These design restrictions turned into advantages, as VARRODESIGN was able to create a space that was not trying to desperately look outwards like any other property in Koh Samui might. The middle floor, where the kitchen and large infinity pool are located, became a three-walled space that mimicked the atriums used in local buildings. With one wall removed, the view to the natural vista was not hindered, and the common areas inside were sheltered from neighboring buildings and the extreme tropical weather.
The building’s signature arches, inspired by motifs found in Koh Samui’s temples, serve as a modern twist on something that the Thai people have been familiar with for years. This iconic feature, along with the use of bamboo and traditional Thai design elements, creates a space that is both modern and authentic to the local culture.
Zoltan Varro is an award-winning designer whose intuitive and emotive approach to his work with VARRODESIGN has led to global recognition. With C Villa, he was able to “size up the technical advantages and disadvantages, what to emphasize, where to de-emphasize” in order to create a space that truly captures the essence of Koh Samui.
C Villa’s logo, a spiritual figure reaching up to the sun, was born from the matching decorative statue that floats beside the large pool facing Koh Samui’s largest Buddha sculpture, the Big Buddha Temple. This symbolizes the space’s purpose of embracing guests with intimacy and closeness while simultaneously making them feel open and alive.
C Villa is a fusion of traditional and modern design that pays homage to local cultures and techniques while providing guests with the luxury and comfort they expect from a tropical getaway. VARRODESIGN’s innovative approach to the project has resulted in a space that is both unique and unforgettable. To learn more about C Villa and VARRODESIGN, please visit their website.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.