​In an era of rapid change, homes have become multifunctional sanctuaries where work, learning, wellness and leisure converge. With the continuing global shift towards hybrid lifestyles, the concept of “home” has undergone a massive transformation.

Today’s homeowners desire environments that transcend aesthetic appeal. They need spaces that balance productivity with relaxation and functionality with comfort. 

If that sounds familiar, perhaps it’s because the hospitality industry has also been moving in the same direction. To support hybrid work arrangements, hotels and resorts around the world are adopting a more residential framework to offer an aspirational environment that also enables efficient work. Therefore, the world of hospitality can be a useful source of inspiration in our own homes.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of resorts is their ability to merge the comforts of residential living with the luxury of hospitality. Branded residences are a prime example of this synergy, offering homeowners an elevated lifestyle that feels both indulgent and personal.

At the W Sentosa Cove, a WATG-designed project, 236 branded residences have been integrated with 320 hotel rooms and a range of commercial amenities. Situated on a lush peninsula, the development celebrates its waterfront setting, creating an escape that feels like a permanent vacation.

WATG’s expertise in hospitality design ensures that these residences are not just luxurious but also economically viable. Through meticulous planning and market analysis, designs can be aligned with brand standards while maximising profitability. Branded residences like those at W Sentosa Cove serve as vital revenue streams, transforming homes into vibrant destinations that cater to residents, travellers and local communities alike.

Thoughtful landscaping

From promoting inhabitants’ well-being — through principles like biophilia and chromotherapy gardens — to enhancing privacy, landscape architecture plays a pivotal role in the way we perceive and interact with our homes. 

Think about it — when you picture a relaxing resort, the first things you might imagine are swaying palm trees and shimmering azure swimming pools. While not everyone might have the space in their home to accommodate these, the idea is to integrate a variety of sensory engagements into your place of residence.

For instance, planting flowers and micro herbs can be an easy way to introduce greenery and pleasant aromas. This goes beyond aesthetics or simply planting a bush here and a tree there; it’s about curating a holistic experience where people can feel more at ease, healthier and freer.

Of course, when it comes to landscaping, ease of maintenance is always at the front of mind for homeowners. Taking a sustainable approach, such as with native plants and local materials, can significantly lower the frequency of upkeep, as well as the costs involved.

Constant innovation

The approach to residential design should be anything but static. The boundaries of what’s possible need to be continually pushed. For instance, cutting-edge technology like 3D printing can be explored to create homes that are both sustainable and innovative. 

One example is Curve Appeal, the world’s first freeform 3D-printed luxury home. Designed by WATG in collaboration with Branch Technology, this project features a unique form reminiscent of a resort’s arrival experience, evoking a warm and inviting sense of welcome. 

Using advanced robotics, Curve Appeal achieves complex curvatures and customised forms that traditional construction methods cannot replicate. The result is not only visually stunning but also highly efficient and sustainable. The home incorporates the structural integrity of conventional construction with minimal material waste, demonstrating how technology can revolutionise the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. 

With its minimalist design, open spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections, Curve Appeal embodies the timeless principles of mid-century modern architecture while paving the way for the future of residential design.

Designing stories through space

At its core, designing homes has always been about creating spaces that resonate deeply with their inhabitants. This philosophy was evident as early as 1958, when our founder George “Pete” Wimberly designed the Charlot House in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

The home, created for artist and writer Jean Charlot, is a testament to Wimberly’s commitment to crafting spaces that reflect personal stories. Charlot’s life journey — spanning his childhood in France, artistic evolution in Mexico and a growing connection to the vernacular architecture of Hawaii — was embodied in the home’s design. 

Locally sourced materials such as redwood, concrete, and hapu’u fern roots were used to craft walls that served as a textured canvas for Charlot’s art. Floors of painted concrete and rustic red brick evoked the spirit of Mexican courtyards, integrating seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty.

Wimberly’s own residence in Honolulu’s Manoa Valley further exemplifies this ethos. Designed to optimise natural light and ventilation, the home was oriented to harness prevailing breezes — an innovative approach for its time, particularly in an era before central air-conditioning was common. 

This emphasis on functionality and sustainability has become a hallmark of WATG’s design philosophy, inspiring generations of designers to prioritise resilience and environmental harmony.

Ultimately, resort homes are crafted to tell stories, evoke emotions and create lasting memories much like a holiday. The essence of resort homes lies in their ability to transport inhabitants to a place of serenity and luxury. By blending the principles of hospitality design with the comforts of home, these spaces redefine what it means to live well. 

Vicky Wang is managing director for Asia-Pacific at WATG. She has two decades of architectural experience in hospitality, as well as mixed-use and high-end residential projects around the world, with a keen focus on the Greater China region

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