The architectural practice of Grounds Kent Architects (GKA) was formed by Jack Kent and Martin Grounds in 1993 after successfully completing the Four Seasons Resort Bali, a project which was ultimately awarded the Australian Institute of Architects 1996 George Temple Poole Award "In Recognition of an Outstanding Achievement of Architectural Design".
Over the past 20 years GKA have designed culturally unique resort and hotel projects in countries such as Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Barbados, Maldives, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Morocco, with an emphasis always on the use of local natural materials, culturally appropriate design and an empathy with topography and environment.
Grounds Kent Architects firmly believe that where possible architecture should involve and reflect local conditions, materials and traditions, developing an interpretation of local building culture, the involvement of local tradespeople and use of local materials is reflected in everything we do and our finished works provide the end users, usually hotel guests, with an authentic "sense of place" unique to the location.
Over the past 20 years GKA have designed culturally unique resort and hotel projects in countries such as Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Barbados, Maldives, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Morocco, with an emphasis always on the use of local natural materials, culturally appropriate design and an empathy with topography and environment.
Grounds Kent Architects firmly believe that where possible architecture should involve and reflect local conditions, materials and traditions, developing an interpretation of local building culture, the involvement of local tradespeople and use of local materials is reflected in everything we do and our finished works provide the end users, usually hotel guests, with an authentic "sense of place" unique to the location.
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The 10.5 hectare site was originally a coconut plantation extending down to the ocean. The brief was to create a villa-style luxury resort hotel with associated restaurants, bars, meeting rooms and spa facilities. The resort incorporates distinctive woven bamboo roof lines, inspired by traditional houseboats of the region.
Within the context of the greater North Zone flower gardens, the Fragrant Flower Hut Resort provides guests with an opportunity to relax and unwind from the pressures and demands of modern life in an environment carefully designed to share with them and indulge them in the physical, mental, psychological, visual and culinary contributions of the blooms of nature.
GKA have been commissioned to provide full Architectural services for a 5 star luxury resort hotel, Beach Club and residential villas in Brazil. Pavilion style architecture on a grand scale, the Trancoso villas nestle amongst the remnant coastal vegetation. The built form is broken down into a series of elements connected via open galleries and covered walkways.
Martin Grounds and Jack Kent first met at the University of Western Australia in 1967. After graduating, they collaborated on several projects before Grounds Kent Architects was created. Directors Jack and Martin share a vision to create a small, hands-on, design oriented practice that allows them to be dedicated, responsive and connected to their clients throughout the design process.
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Julia Baker
Aug 23, 2021
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