As one of the most popular vacation destinations, resorts are places where people can experience endless recreation opportunities, incredible dining experiences, and additional amenities that many hotels do not have. While often seen as luxury lodging establishments, resorts are located in premier destinations, such as ski areas, beaches, and remote destinations.
When planning a resort, architects strive to create an unforgettable environment that is also welcoming and relaxing to ensure that visitors make memories of a lifetime. Extraordinary resort designs begin with exceptional architectural engineering that considers how the building will blend with its environment.
Research and Conceptualization
Understanding the Resort’s Target Market and Location
The beginning stages of resort planning involve determining the guests who will frequent the resort and where the resort should be located. For example, is this resort a destination for families, or is it a place where only adults can relax? Understanding the resort’s target market will not only guide the initial design plans but also help pinpoint the ideal location for the resort.
Identifying Architectural Styles That Align with the Resort’s Theme
Whether the resort will be on the beach or in the mountains, research and conceptualization involve identifying various architectural styles that fit seamlessly with the resort’s theme. One example is a rustic mountain ski lodge in the snowy mountains of Utah.
Exploring Local Culture and History for Inspiration
Local culture and history should be considered when incorporating elements into the resort’s design. Because aesthetic appeal is critical to the success of a resort, architectural elements should include local building materials, and the buildings should blend effortlessly into the environment. Focusing on these elements will give visitors a memorable and unique experience that stands apart from the traditional hotel stay.
Sustainable Design Approach
Incorporating Green Building Principles and Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability is one of the most increasingly important elements of resort design, primarily as resorts aim to decrease their environmental impact. By incorporating sustainable design strategies into the resort’s design, architects can plan destinations that are not only environmentally friendly they’re also economically efficient.
Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources and Energy-Efficient Systems
Because of increasing renewable energy design strategies, resorts can utilize renewable energy sources and energy-efficient systems in plans. Many resorts focus on water conservation systems, passive cooling systems, and utilizing local materials. These innovations provide guests with a comfortable environment while using fewer local resources.
Creating a Symbiotic Relationship with the Natural Surroundings
When planning a resort or hotel, architects aim to create a symbiotic relationship with the surroundings. This means that architects design a resort that balances mutualism, a process where the environment and the building interact to benefit one another. When planning a resort with this symbiotic relationship in mind, it becomes much more than a building.
Site Analysis and Master Planning
The design for a resort begins with a site analysis, which allows architects to create a plan that considers the unique challenges and opportunities of the surrounding environment. The site analysis includes climate, landscape, topography, and cultural context.
The site analysis also helps to determine an optimal layout for the resort by incorporating space utilization. Architects can determine where to put the resort so it provides the most stunning views. The site analysis aims to learn how to artfully integrate architecture with landscaping and outdoor spaces.
Architectural Elements and Aesthetics
Everyone knows that first impressions are essential. The resort’s entrance should be a striking element that welcomes guests and sets the right tone for the entire stay from the beginning of their experience. Well-designed entrances beckon patrons to enter and see what else is inside. It also allows the architect to use unique architectural details to emphasize the resort’s identity. Above all, the goal of resort designs should be to balance functionality and aesthetics in every detail of the space.
Accommodation Design
Choosing the Right Room Types and Layouts for Guest Comfort
As one of the most critical decisions when designing a resort or hotel, architects must consider the layout of each room. Individual and communal spaces must be designed with functionality and comfort, giving patrons plenty of space for activities and relaxation.
Creating Private Retreats with Exceptional Resort Interior Design
The most successful resorts artfully join combined spaces with private retreats that give the guests experiences that don’t feel shared with all the other guests. Incorporating exceptional interior design should be paramount to creating an immersive and cohesive experience for guests and giving them a reason to return. You create a loyal customer base when you differentiate your property from competitors.
Incorporating Balconies, Terraces, or Verandas for a Connection to Nature
Every guest wants a view they can dream about after they leave the resort, such as stunning ocean sights they can enjoy throughout the day. Incorporate balconies, terraces, or verandas to provide an accessible way for guests to enjoy their surroundings without having to venture too far from their private rooms.
Signature Facilities and Amenities
Let’s talk about designing iconic facilities and amenities that stand out and define the resort.
Often, the amenities set one resort apart from the others, so it’s essential to focus on creating facilities that will define the resort. Surrounding architecture must merge seamlessly with the pool, dining, entertainment, and spa spaces to create an immersive experience. Incorporating innovative design throughout the resort, including recreational and wellness areas, creates a cohesive space for ultimate relaxation.
As one of the leading resorts in the Park City area, Stein Eriksen Lodge was created with unique amenities that residents can enjoy year-round. Guests can relax by two outdoor heated pools, experience the Champions Club Entertainment Center, and watch blockbusters in the Freestyle Theater.
Harmonious Integration with Nature
It’s become increasingly common to create a resort that brings local nature indoors in a beautiful way. This can be achieved by incorporating open-air suites, living green walls, and sustainable resort landscape architecture. By focusing on offering a harmonious integration with nature, hotels can center on maximizing natural light and ventilation, especially in indoor spaces. Incorporating local plants and vegetation into the design only increases this integration into nature and helps guests feel more immersed in the local environment.
Resort Sustainability and Resilience
Implementing Disaster-Resilient Design Strategies
One of the first steps in hotel design is studying risk factors beyond the resort’s control, such as tsunamis, wildfires, or earthquakes. This risk assessment should also include things that resort owners can control, like ensuring adequate exit routes and emergency supplies. After determining what risks can pose a problem for the resort, guests, and staff, emergency strategies should be incorporated to minimize disasters.
Creating Adaptable and Flexible Buildings for Future Needs
Modern architecture has quickly adapted to integrating flexible buildings that can be transformed and used for multiple purposes. Many architecture firms have embraced this adjustable approach for sustainability and practicality. Resorts can use adaptive building design to create limitless opportunities for recreation and unique amenities throughout the decades.
Evaluating Long-Term Maintenance and Lifecycle Considerations
Resort and hotel architects should determine the long-term maintenance needs of establishing a destination space and its impact on the local environment. In years past, architects and developers had little consideration for sustainability and longevity, leading to ill-thought-out plans and endeavors that were not long-lasting. Wise resort planning considers the resort’s lifecycle considerations and designs to help the resort thrive in different cycles.
Technology and Smart Design
Incorporating technology into planning gives your resort a competitive edge over others. Guests are consistently drawn to more convenient operation systems, such as mobile check-in, contactless payments, artificial intelligence, upgraded internet options, and more.
Modern resorts give guests ultimate control of their environment with smart room systems that allow for greater personalization. Guests can easily control temperature, lighting, and security features in seconds, allowing them to place settings exactly where they want them. Smart room systems not only help to save energy, but they also allow for better automation of systems since everything is connected. When integrating technology, the key is maintaining the balance of the resort’s architectural aesthetics.
Local Regulations and Building Codes
Navigating Local Building Codes and Regulations
Each locale has specific building codes and regulations that must be observed in the planning and building process. Because resort planning is complex, complying with these codes can be challenging. Nonetheless, a plan must be implemented to observe all building regulations for successful resort development.
Complying with Environmental and Cultural Preservation Requirements
Because of today’s focus on sustainability, architects are more responsible for complying with local environmental and cultural preservation requirements. When planning a resort, take into consideration ecological requirements. Not only is this wise for local environments, but it also helps your resort stand out.
Engaging with Local Architects and Professionals for Expertise
Calling upon the wisdom of local architects and professionals can make all the difference in the final design. These local professionals know the area well and can offer expertise in navigating building code complexities.
Collaboration and Project Management
Building a Cohesive Team of Architects, Designers, and Contractors
Developing an experienced team of architects, designers, and contractors who can work together toward a common goal is crucial to creating a thriving resort community. Cohesive teams have more effective communication, which results in solid project oversight. Having the same goals creates a unified project and increases the likelihood of a successful project that is finished on time.
Coordinating with landscape architects for a holistic approach
Involving landscape designers who focus on a holistic approach to design will allow guests to reconnect with surrounding outdoor spaces. Using design elements such as color, texture, line, and form, landscape architects create environments that emphasize the beauty of the surrounding environment while helping visitors enjoy the space.
Guest Experience and Architectural Impact
Guest expectations constantly evolve, requiring resorts to create a thoughtful design that can stand the test of time and enhance each guest’s experience. A well-planned resort is designed to be stunning, engage the senses, and evoke emotions. Creating immersive environments is not only critical to the success of the hotel, but it also encourages positive reviews and referrals from guests, which in turn establishes a more significant customer base.
Case Studies of Iconic Resort Architecture
Are you looking for some successful examples of iconic resort architecture? At Think Architecture, we’ve established many resorts that have stood the test of time. Browse through our resort and hotel architecture examples below:
- The Grand Lodge At Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT
- La Chateaux at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT
- The Lodges At Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT
- Stein Eriksen Lodge & Residences in Park City, UT
- Hotel Park City and Cottages
- Silver Strike Lodge in Park City, UT
Think Architecture: The Experts in World-Renowned Design
Think Architecture understands the importance of every element in resort planning. With over 90 years of combined practice in architecture, interior, and landscape design, we are at the forefront of innovative thinking. We understand the significance and task of getting it right, so we remain committed to creative design and innovative philosophy. See what our talented team can do for your project. Contact us today.