The Capella Hotel in Singapore is situated on Sentosa Island, seamlessly blending military architecture dating back to the 1880s with modern hotel wings and villas. The hotel is managed by Foster + Partners, led by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster. The latest renovation of the suites and villas was completed by AFSO, the design studio of André Fu.
Danamela: An Elegant Memory Garden
Singapore’s Kapilar is located near the tropical South Coast, featuring a six-star hotel, several villas, and a central garden with over 5,000 trees. The Malay name ‘Tanah Merah’ means ‘red land,’ which inspired the distinctive terracotta roofs characteristic of local colonial architecture.
“Always striving to explore deeper meanings and gain a profound understanding of the inner workings of various human activities—that is exactly what we as architects must pursue.” — Norman Foster
Two historic buildings, once entertainment venues for British Royal Officers, have been meticulously restored and stand as dominant features of the Capella Hotel. Foster extended a full circular plan on both sides of these structures, following the natural slopes of the hillside. This design creates a garden courtyard featuring tiered pools and scattered suites that blend harmoniously into a lush, 30-acre tropical landscape.
By honoring the site’s topography and thoughtfully integrating the historic buildings, the design achieves a strong sense of place, continuity, and context. The new construction wraps around the hotel’s circular core and leads guests to the main entrance. Within the tropical plant reserve, the new Jiapei Le elements follow the contours of the mountain, creating a subtle, layered landscape.
The design pays full respect to the Danamela architecture, a witness to over a century of dramatic change. It preserves the original proportions, color palette, and shading elements while harmonizing with new visual features and landscape levels. Although the villa designs are restrained, the dynamic double-layered high-ceiling glass curtain walls allow breathtaking views of the sea.
Oriental Vacation in Timeless Natural Hues
Twelve years after the resort’s opening, André Fu Studio was invited to update the design of 110 suites and villas. The new interiors feature tones of earth sand, rat grass, and mineral gray, blending contemporary design with tranquility, comfort, and relaxed luxury. These natural colors not only evoke the surrounding outdoor vegetation but also soothe restless emotions.
The interiors were originally designed by Jaya, emphasizing balance and symmetry.
“I strive to trace his original design intent while infusing the luxurious qualities that modern guests expect. The design must reflect the evolving ways humans use space.” — André Fu
André Fu preserved the original room layouts, blending tropical charm with a classical atmosphere. His personal brand’s soft, custom furniture contours enhance this ambiance. Rich textures from leather, rattan, linen, teak, and oak, combined with refined inlay and weaving techniques, create a tactile experience that embodies the timeless spirit of Jiapei Le through elegant creativity and craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship and Intimate Reflections
The spirit of craftsmanship is embodied in the stunning Eastern-inspired painting at the heart of the layered water pools in the Danamela Garden. Circular courtyard walls extend like schools of swimming koi fish, bringing dynamic movement and a sense of freedom to the otherwise static indoor space.
This koi sculpture group is not only the hotel’s key feature—an intangible symbol of water scenery—but also imbues the courtyard with a boundless and enigmatic emotional resonance.
Created by British designer Alexander Lamont, these koi sculptures reflect his belief that objects hold spiritual energy.
“Objects connect us to ourselves, to others, to places, and to memories in life. At the most important and intimate moments, what stands before us must be crafted with care and artistry.” — Alexander Lamont
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Hotel
Project Period: 2003–2009
Area: 95,246 m²
Location: Singapore
Architectural Design: Foster + Partners
Collaborative Architect: DP Architects Pte Ltd
Environmental Engineering: J. Roger Preston (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Lighting Design: Isometrix
Structural Architect: Web Structures Pte Ltd
Landscape Design: Belt Collins International (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Interior Design: André Fu Studio
Decorative Art Design: Alexander Lamont
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up