Architecture

Robert Powell studied at the Faculty of Architecture at the University of New South Wales, Australia, between 1970-72.

As an architect, he was equally passionate about designing new buildings as he was about restoring historic architecture. Project highlights include the design of urban hotels in Nepal and the Middle East, a high altitude hotel in Tibet, and Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand, for which he chose a ‘simple, tropical modern’ design.

Powell’s architectural designs always bore the hallmarks of his fascination and respect for Asian traditions, as well as his sensitivity to the setting.

Robert Powell Architect

This quote from Robert Powell describing the approach he took when designing Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary illustrates how vital it was for him to integrate nature and the environment into his work:

“The buildings were designed to take full advantage of their individual setting; the views, the rocks, the trees, and their relationship to other buildings. The mood, the feeling, was to be quiet and peaceful, spacious and expansive, natural and very comfortable, not extravagant nor over-designed. Instead of the luxury of expensive material and opulence, there is the greater richness of space, light and unique views over a very special seascape. Few designers have the privilege to work with such a site and such a brief. I was clear that this rare chance must be reflected in a respect for the beauty and integrity of the land and its special character.”

Robert Powell at work at Thubchen Lhakhang, Mustang
Thubchen Lhakhang, Mustang Robert Powell at work. Götz Hagmüller, 1992.

Selected Architecture & Design Commissions

A timeline featuring a selection of Robert’s architectural projects

1975-1979

London, UK

Romegroup, Architectural design work for projects throughout the Middle East.

1975-1979

1979

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Design of two-hectare air conditioned Islamic garden for King Khaled of Saudi Arabia. Commissioned by Humphreys and Glasgow, UK.

1979

1980-1999

Bhakthapur, Nepal

UNICEF project to benefit papermakers in the middle hills of Nepal and artisans in Bhakthapur. Product and production method design.

1980-1999

1981-1983

Bhakthapur, Nepal

German Bhakthapur Development Project. Restoration and design work. Commissioned by GTZ.

1981-1983

1985

Bhakthapur, Nepal

German Bhakthapur Development Project. Restoration and design of Pujari Math. National Wood Carving Museum. Commissioned by GTZ.

1985

1986

Nepal

Royal Chitwan National Park, Machan Wildlife Resort. Private Commission.

1986

1987

Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara Eye Hospital. 100-bed facility commissioned by Evecare Himalaya, Netherlands.

1987

1992-1997

Mustang, Nepal

Member of multi-disciplinary research project funded by the German Research Foundation through the Bon University. Three expeditions to the restricted areas of Mustang, on the Nepal-Tibet border, to document the traditional architecture.

1992-1997

1993

Janakpur, Nepal

Janakpur Women’s Development Centre. Workshops and gallery for Maithili women’s arts and crafts. Commissioned by JWDC, Nepal.

1993

1997

Pokhara, Nepal

Fulbari Resort. Lobby, guest rooms, courtyard. Private commission.

1997

1998

Gyalthang, Yunnan, China

Gyalthang Dzong Hotel. 50-room extension. Private commission.

1998

1999

Sichuan, China

Wanglang Panda Reserve. Visitors’ centre and accommodation. Commissioned by World Wildlife Fund, China.

1999

2005

Koh Samui, Thailand

Kamalaya Wellness Retreat. A 60-room resort. Design of entire resort. Private commission.

www.kamalaya.com

2005

2017

Koh Samui, Thailand

Kamalaya Wellness Retreat. Extension with new gym, yoga shala and pool. Private commission.

www.kamalaya.com

2017

Kamalaya Wellness Retreat, Thailand

Located in Thailand on a beautiful body of water, from every corner of Kamalaya, you can view the ocean and hear the soft sound of water running, see Thai spirit houses, and experience the breathtaking glimpses of the tropical gardens. The Asian-inspired buildings, designed by Robert Powell, feel almost as though they are sinking into lush greenery, vivid flowers and even ancient granite boulders (around which they have been carefully constructed). The environment is a key part of the experience. (www.kamalaya.com)