The Datai Langkawi Resort
3 juli
Tucked into the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, The Datai Langkawi offers a harmonious blend of architecture and ecology. Originally designed by Kerry Hill Architects, this award-winning resort is an experience in contextual design, utilising Malaysian hardwoods like Chengal and Balau to shape a timeless yet grounded tropical sanctuary.
Chengal, often regarded as one of Malaysia’s most prized hardwoods, is celebrated for its exceptional durability, dimensional stability and natural resistance to fungal decay, termites and harsh climates. Its beautiful golden-brown hue matures gracefully over time, making it a favoured choice for premium outdoor applications such as decking, cladding and structural elements where longevity and low maintenance are paramount.
Balau, another high-density tropical hardwood, is equally admired for its immense strength, robustness and ability to withstand heavy loads and moisture. It is especially suited for exposed environments, making it a go-to material for marine structures, heavy-duty flooring and joinery. Its tight grain and uniform texture not only lend aesthetic appeal but also ensure structural integrity under demanding conditions.
The resort was built with minimal environmental impact, using sustainable methods and locally sourced materials, preserving and integrating into its natural surroundings. The rainforest villas, elevated on stilts to protect the forest floor, are framed in timber, while the main building rests on a basalt stone base. Facing the sea, it opens up to an expansive, breathtaking view of Datai Bay. The roof structure featuring exposed timber rafters and trusses echoes traditional Malay houses while maintaining a refined, minimalist elegance. Walkways wrapped in vertical timber slats filter sunlight and connect each pavilion and villa through a serene architectural journey.
Particularly captivating is the spa, nestled along a stream and beneath the trees. Constructed entirely from natural Malaysian timber, its curved ceiling and open-air pavilions offer a magical, sensory escape. Natural materials are fundamental to the resort’s DNA: timber roof shingles, basalt stone, and post-and-beam timber structures are all integral elements of the resort’s design language.
Here, timber is not merely a building material but a narrative element, one that draws guests deeper into the local environment. The design’s control, paired with its meticulous detailing, allows the landscape to take the lead while timber architecture provides a grounding yet elevated frame.