The Ho Tram Strip’s Gallery Villas, where golf meets luxury living
With the Ho Tram Strip’s Gallery Villas throwing the doors open earlier this month, we took the opportunity to talk to three of the people behind Vietnam’s most talked-about new residential development.
Mr. Ben Styles, Vice President of Golf and Residential Development for the Ho Tram Project Company; Mr. Andy Maiof DWP, the Architect for Master Planning and Architecture; and interior designer Ms. Angelia Lee of Artsy Expressions.
Ben, can you tell us how you came to work with the partners for Gallery Villas?
Ben: Creating a distinct real-estate proposition was at the heart of our vision for Gallery Villas. We spent a good deal of time examining leading stakeholders to cement the partnerships we have in place.
Perhaps the design team can tell us their first impressions when they visited the site…
Andy: I visited The Bluffs at the beginning of 2015 and that first impression stayed with me to this day. I remember just thinking how amazing it all was. We hadn’t seen this integration of a golf course within natural sand dunes and coastal landscape here before.
Angelia: I was very excited when I first saw the plans because the design was so innovative. When I visited the site, it blew me away because I could immediately visualize the final product. We had a very good idea of what we wanted to achieve even at this early stage, knowing that we would look to complement the architecture and introduce organic materials like raw concrete flooring and finishings.
Where did you draw your inspiration for Gallery Villas?
Ben: We wanted to create something unique. In order to do the landscape justice, we knew we needed something that would capture the imagination but also protect the features of the environment, giving residents the tranquillity, vistas, privacy and ease of access we knew they sought.
Andy: We drew inspiration from the beautiful contours of the course. We wanted to respect the landscape and to work with it instead of building something out of context that would negatively impact the appearance of the course. The sandy curved roof and the idea of tucking the building into the landscape were drivers of our concept from the beginning.
Angelia: We were drawn to the surrounding elements. The waves, the dunes and the course were all incorporated into our concept. Most strikingly, our wavy ceiling spans the length of the room without compromising ceiling height. We knew that key to accentuating these points would be textures and patterns like the tiles in the living areas, bathrooms and feature walls which create interesting backdrops to living spaces.
What do you want people to think when they walk into their villa?
Ben: We wanted to create a wow-factor. That first impression is crucial for investors, and we knew from the moment they stepped in the villa, the inspirational design, layout and quality had to shine through.
Andy: We want people to feel as though they are part of this landscape and part of a golfing experience – even when they are simply relaxing in their homes. We want them to feel a journey through dunes and greens and to always be integrated into this beautiful landscape.
Angelia: I want them to feel the openness and spaciousness of the villa and then be surprised at every turn or room they go into. The villas should exude class and luxury through subtle play of materials and furniture.
What are some of the areas of Gallery Villas that you are most proud of?
Ben: Integration into the golf course is something I am exceptionally proud of. We have a Top 100 Course in the world and have created a master-plan that protects that experience, whilst amplifying the residential appeal is second-to-none.
Andy: The curved roof was a challenge and we think it may be the first in Vietnam! The sandy finish is key from an architectural viewpoint. At certain angles the villa blends into the dunes and landscape, becoming almost invisible, strengthening the idea of respecting Mother Nature and this beautiful golf course.
Angelia: The small details that we were able to put in such as the solid-surface kitchen, which is curved with no handles and blends seamlessly in. I am very happy with the wave ceiling – from a construction viewpoint this proved challenging, but the impact it has on the overall aesthetic is stunning.
Gallery Villas are now open for inspection at the Ho Tram Strip. Inspection is by appointment only and can be arranged by either calling the hotline +84 937 538 919 or by emailing info@galleryvillashotram.com.
