Studio RHE designs Seychelles homes

Futuristic residences in the idyllic landscapes of The Seychelles with views of rocks and the ocean

London based Studio RHE has completed a set of futuristic residences in the idyllic landscapes of The Seychelles. Photography: Dirk Lindner

(Image credit: Dirk Lindner)

By Ellie Stathaki

last updated 15 August 2022

Mixing dramatic landscapes, warm climes and powerful, futuristic lines, the Zil Pasyon residences by Studio RHE are as eye-catching a piece of architecture as you’re likely to get. Designed by the London-based studio as part of the Seychelles' Six Senses resort, this series of 28 private residences are elegantly perched on the hillsides of Félicité's coastline, gazing towards the blue Indian Ocean waters.

The homes, which are currently up for sale, feature a contemporary design, which takes its cues from the island's rocky surrounds. Director Richard Hywel Evans and his team drew on the landscape's tones and materials, composing structures in black granite. Their ‘geometric forms contrast with the soft weathered forms of the island', explain the architects.

Rooftop swimming pool with views of the ocean — The views are planned to make the most of the sea and dramatic island setting. Photography: Dirk Lindner

‘Zil Pasyon introduces contemporary architecture to Félicité that, through its materiality, texture and form accentuates the island’s natural geography', says Hywel Evans. ‘The private residences stand out by fitting into the natural landscape. When we first found the site, it was unimaginable that this magical location could be built on as it was virtually inaccessible due to the extreme topography and the overgrown invasive vegetation'.

Minimalist interiors open up to large outdoor areas on different levels, swimming pools and floor-to-ceiling openings that celebrate the natural setting. At the same time, the beautiful Seychelles light is softly filtered through the pool's waters and into the living spaces below.

Making the most out of the project's location and the island breeze, the houses were designed in a way that cleverly uses natural ventilation throughout. Meanwhile, the owners of the private residences will have full access to all the facilities of the wider Six Senses resort, such as concierge, housekeeping, spa and wellness facilities and a waterside cinema.

Hillside residence with infinity pool on rocks — The private hillside residences are part of the award-winning Six Senses resort and spa on the island. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

Aerial view of residence situated on rocks — The collection, called Zil Pasyon, consists of 28 homes. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

Outside of residence with seating area and infinity pool — The houses’ black granite forms were created to blend naturally with the rocky surroundings. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

Large grey metal sculpture of a man kneeling down surrounded by infinity pool — Large openings, outdoor areas and swimming pools form a crucial part of the design. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

Giant gorilla sculpture, table and chairs and black wall shelves with view of the ocean out glass window — Inside, flowing spaces are cooled down naturally through clever design. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

Open plan seating area with beige sofas and glass doors with views of the ocean — Light is filtered through the pool to the living space below. *Photography: Dirk Lindner*

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Studio RHE website

TOPICS

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).