Patina Maldives: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Studio MK27's Award-Winning Design Celebrates the Natural Beauty of the Maldives

The inspiration for Patina Maldives came from the natural elements of the Maldives - the sand, skies, and ocean. The team at Studio MK27 envisioned an architecture that would humbly filter the lights, frame the views, and create different narratives as one strolls around the magnificent surroundings. The result is a contemporary, classic, and elegant structure that is much less important than nature itself.

Patina Maldives stands out for its unique properties. The hotel provides a welcoming space for people to live light and amplify natural feelings in a dreamy state. The architectural lines never break the horizon, they speak low and elegantly. All buildings are visually permeable, dematerialized, putting life and men in the center of the experience. The volumetric answers are extremely delicate, respectful to its surroundings, trying to provide shadows and coziness, to capture and amplify the landscape strength.

The realization of this design was achieved through the thoughtful use of wooden structures, enabling a cleaner and faster construction. The choice of natural materials such as stones, sticks, and fibers enhances our connection with nature, place, and culture. From the masterplan to the light pendants, everything on the island was designed by Studio MK27 with various collaborators worldwide.

The hotel is a kaleidoscope of atmospheres organized in an ascending way: from private to public, from isolation to belonging, from simplicity to sophistication. The design escalates the textures and emotions from soft shadows to overwhelming light. It’s a rhythm with contrast, pauses, and transparencies. From slow dolce far niente to exuberant real vitality, it is a place for people to bond with nature and each other, for people to experience the essential with glamour.

The project started in 2016 and lasted for two years. The architecture team was based in São Paulo, Brazil, and had the collaboration of a local architect in the Maldives. Construction started after a year into the project, and was finished in 2021. The design was built on growing attention to the connection with the place and culture, the importance of uniqueness and authenticity, and the special role of wellness. The design was awarded Silver in A' Construction and Real Estate Projects Design Award in 2023.