ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the Milan-based architecture and interior design practice, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for their latest project in Taiwan – the Capella Kenting resort development commissioned by Riant Capital and Capella Hotels and Resorts. Located in the southernmost county of Taiwan, just north of the scenic Kenting National Park, the resort embodies the Capella Hotel Group’s holistic vision, prioritising guest experience and creating a strong sense of belonging to the place.
To highlight Kenting - a pristine locale synonymous with seafront enjoyment—the architects seamlessly integrate more than sixty villas and related amenities within the natural landscape. By mirroring the contours and slopes of the lush green environment, they deliberately optimise views of the sea and sky, ensuring that each villa boasts panoramic vistas of the ocean.
This organic connection with nature begins on arrival, when guests are greeted by a sunken drop-off area flooded with natural light and greenery. The marked transition from the busy road to a serene, landscaped garden is akin to arriving at a private home within a park.
While offering communion with nature, Capella Kenting remains a social space, striking a balance between privacy and interaction. When ensconced in their villas, complete with private pools and terraces, guests can enjoy moments of secluded relaxation. Meanwhile, the resort’s shared spaces - including bars, restaurants, wedding facilities and the signature Capella Living Room and Clubhouse - encourage communal moments. Guests can rejuvenate at the spa, swimming pools, gym and Onsen bathhouses, celebrating Japanese bathing rituals.
Architect Antonio Citterio, Chairman and co-founder of ACPV ARCHITECTS, describes the concept as centred on the interplay between the building site and the sea. He adds, “Every architectural detail is meticulously crafted to provide uninterrupted views of the water and horizon, granting guests a sense of unity with nature.”
Architect Patricia Viel, CEO and co-founder, further explains, “The resort’s design draws inspiration from the rich cultural context of the location. For our first resort in Taiwan, we are integrating traditional craft and construction techniques, including low stacked-stone walls, to minimise visual impact while paying homage to aboriginal culture.” In Taiwan, ACPV ARCHITECTS’ carefully considered East-meets-West approach is evident in such completed projects as La Bella Vita and Treasure Garden residential towers in Taichung, which employ stone construction and contemporary Italian geometric designs.
Meanwhile, The Sky Taipei, the high-rise comprising two hotels that is poised to redefine Asia’s lifestyle centre experience, draws inspiration from Chinese bamboo and the vertical grooves of classic Greek columns to celebrate the city’s unique blend of modernism and tradition. Similarly, Sensuous Garden (ZuCui), a mixed-use residential and hotel complex in Taipei’s vibrant yet secluded Songshan district, evocatively articulates Italian notions of elegance, refinement and timelessness. On its striking façade made of reflective-glass skin, references to Taiwanese tea culture are made through engraved horizontal lines, evoking lush tea plantations.
Staying on the cutting edge of innovation, ACPV ARCHITECTS has recently partnered with machine learning experts from Reply to bring the process of designing and manufacturing ceramic tiles into the Digital Age. By using AI, the firm successfully streamlined the production process, increased the team’s productivity and creativity, and reduced environmental impact.
In another innovative collaboration, the firm worked with Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI), National Trust of Italy, to create digital twins for two historic house museums in Milan, utilising advanced digital methodologies and tools to help preserve heritage assets. www.acpvarchitects.com
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