this luxury resort by autoban draws from the maldives' vernacular architecture

this resort on muravandhoo, an island in the maldives, comprises 73 luxury villas in addition to a variety of restaurants, communal spaces, and personalized facilities.

the project’s interiors, as well as certain architectural elements, have been designed by istanbul-based studio autoban who sought to ‘give a new meaning to the island life through an unlimited and dynamic experience.’JOALI maldives, which promises an ultra-luxury experience, is centered around muravandhoo island with a series of jetties extending out into the indian ocean. some of the villas are elevated above the water, while others have been built on the island itself. in designing the project, autoban utilized local materials, textures, and craftsmanship to channel the ‘maldivian spirit’.

one of the project’s most eye-catching structures is the arrival jetty, which features a sculptural wave-like canopy that shelters those arriving at the resort. the entire structure is topped with a thatched roof — a gesture that has been extended to other parts of the resort. internally, the color palettes used on different surfaces reference different tones of coconut, one of the island’s most distinctive features.