The AUKA Inn in Bahia, Brazil, is a stunning example of innovative resort architecture designed by FGMF Architects.
Situated on an island in Cairu, Bahia, this project masterfully integrates the natural beauty of its surroundings with the unique demands of a hospitality development.
The inn features a series of guest rooms, each with a private pool and sea-facing view, crafted from cast-in-place concrete and masonry.
This blog post delves into the architectural ingenuity behind the AUKA Inn, highlighting how the design team overcame logistical challenges.
The Vision Behind AUKA Inn
FGMF Architects embarked on the AUKA Inn project with a clear vision: to create a luxurious, intimate retreat that harmonizes with the island’s natural environment.
The clients, experienced operators of guesthouses, wanted each guestroom to feature a private pool and a sea-facing view.
This vision was complicated by the logistical difficulties of transporting alternative building materials to the island, necessitating the use of cast-in-place concrete and masonry.
Design Challenges and Solutions
Initially, the design team faced significant challenges in meeting the client’s spatial requirements.
The need for all rooms to face the sea led to a linear block layout across the plot’s width.
While functional, this approach resulted in a monolithic structure that divided the land into front and back sections, obstructing the seamless connection between the site and its surroundings.
To address this, the architects rethought the project with a focus on the guest experience.
They centered the design around the private balconies, transforming them into focal points for relaxation and enjoyment.
By experimenting with architectural elements like pergolas, pools of various shapes, built-in seating, sun loungers, planters, water features, hammocks, and cobogós, the team created a unique ambiance for each balcony.
Innovative Use of Materials
The AUKA Inn’s design is a testament to the creative use of available materials.
The choice of cast-in-place concrete and masonry was driven by logistical considerations, but the architects turned this constraint into an opportunity for innovation.
They developed a “vocabulary” of architectural elements to create variation and texture across the building’s façade.
Unique Balcony Designs
Each balcony at the AUKA Inn is a unique composition, adding depth and visual interest to the building.
Some balconies feature intimate pool designs perfect for couples, while others are adorned with pergolas or enclosed by cobogós, creating secluded havens.
This variation breaks up the building’s massing, transforming what could have been a stark wall into a dynamic architectural expression.
Integration with the Natural Environment
The AUKA Inn is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
The rear of the property houses shared amenities, including a games room, a restaurant, and access to the guestrooms.
These spaces are enveloped by dense landscaping that will grow over time, creating a natural division between the forested back area and the sea-facing pool zone.
This thoughtful landscaping strategy reinforces the site’s dual identity, blending architectural intervention with the lush natural environment.
Shared Amenities and Landscaping
The shared amenities at the AUKA Inn are designed to enhance the guest experience while maintaining a connection with the natural environment.
The games room, restaurant, and guestroom access are surrounded by dense landscaping, which will mature over time to create a natural barrier between different zones of the property.
This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the inn but also ensures that guests can enjoy both the architectural beauty and the natural surroundings.
Architectural Harmony and Individuality
The AUKA Inn transcends its functional requirements by offering a compelling synthesis of individuality and harmony.
The project celebrates the unique possibilities of architecture to shape experiences while respecting the character of its extraordinary location.
Each balcony’s distinct design reflects the individuality of the guest experience, while the cohesive use of materials ties the entire structure together.
Conclusion
The AUKA Inn in Bahia, Brazil, is a remarkable example of thoughtful design and innovative use of materials. It shows how these can overcome logistical challenges and create a unique, luxurious retreat. FGMF Architects have masterfully blended the natural beauty of the island with the specific demands of a hospitality development. The result is a project that is both visually striking and deeply connected to its surroundings. For more information about this stunning development, visit the AUKA Inn project page.