I-10 studio: amangiri resort, utah
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'amangiri resort' by rick joy architects, utah, united states
image © joe fletcher
collaborative I-10 studio, comprised of renowned architects rick joy, marwan al-sayed, and wendell burnette, has designed the 'amangiri resort'
in canyon point, utah, near the border of arizona. in par with the architects' oeuvre, the complex bears an intrinsic position in the desert site spotted
with flat mesas and water-carved plateaus. the resort features an impressive program covering 243 hectares of land: 34 suites with various views and
characteristics, a lounge, several swimming pools, spa, fitness center, and a central pavilion that contains a library, art gallery, and private/public dining areas,
amongst other functions. to capture the desert landscape, strong simple geometries backdrop the rough textured rock, at times taking on the role of spectator
while at others integrating seamlessly into it, allowing the natural contours to inform the nature of the man-made construct. the juxtaposition between the
pristine raw surfaces and organic red earth form a symbiotic relationship: the building is meant to frame the plateaus through varied apertures,
while the landscape acts as a host for the sculptural structure, each of which compliments the other quite balanced. exposed materials such as wood,
water, light (as could be appropriately considered in this case) and concrete, poured with local aggregate to match the neutral orange hues, ground the
vernacular into the site and help to capture the unique desert features. large openings offer a slice of the immediate exterior with retractable screens to
extend panoramic views. exterior courtyards on the different steppes introduce the guests in a more intimate way to the terrain, communicating with
the interior so that the outdoor experience is perhaps more important than the indoor.
video introduction to the resort
video © steel blue llc
structure uses a mix of exposed materials to fit into the natural context
image © amanresorts
turquoise pool adds a vibrant color to the palette of earth tones
image © joe fletcher
the resort is integrated within the rocky landscape
images © joe fletcher
pool contours to the intruding rock
image © amanresorts
the rectilinear structures contrast with the intricate organic terrain
images © joe fletcher
image © joe fletcher
a mix of stone, wood, water, and concrete ground the structure into the site
image © joe fletcher
several exterior courtyards bring the user to the landscape
images © joe fletcher
image © joe fletcher
outdoor pool
image © joe fletcher
strong simple geometries match the landscape
image © joe fletcher
indoor spa lit by a skylight
image © joe fletcher
jacuzzi
image © amanresorts
outdoor spa in a sunken courtyard
image © amanresorts
lounge are with a wind fence
image © amanresorts
image © amanresorts
image © amanresorts
vertical openings give a stylistic appearance for circulation or fenestration
(left) image © joe fletcher
(right) image © amanresorts
large operable windows bring the exterior into the space
image © amanresorts
image © amanresorts
illuminated structure at night
image © joe fletcher
a single row of lights glow along the horizontal landscape
image © amanresorts
What a breathtakingly humble work – fantastic! I love it. Thanks for sharing!
anybody ever heard of Rick Joy?
nice project though
Just awesome … what a subtle and calming integration with nature.
I stayed there once. Absolutely breathtaking. The wrap around pool, the sauna, the hiking, the service… so good.
thank you
perhaps in another lifetime I could visit
TATA
only with the coin of the realm
Rick Joy is a Tucson architect who’s office is well known for rammed earth residences in arizona. This work is a beautiful example of his design sensibilities and restraint.
@dbkii – Rick Joy has a die hard following, primarily out of Tucson, AZ – his work is legendary and this resort is no exception… check him out
Architects are well familier with Rick Joy. He has produced consistently high level of design rooted in the deserts of the southwest U.S. This project has been in the works for quite some time. It does not disappoint. – MW architects.
Love this project, the lines, the place and the colors. Elegant and clean style. SUPERB
Three Arizona architects to collaborate on the design — Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, AIA, and Rick Joy, AIA. For this particular project, the trio of friends formed a company, I-10 Studio, named after the freeway that connects their offices in Phoenix and Tucson. Cool IDEA.
Why do natural landscapes always need to be disturbed? Sure, being in a resort amongst this desert is ideal, and the choice of material and plan complements the surrounding environment, but it’s just sad that places like these always must be drilled into or added by man-made architecture.
@ Martina, I mean… seriously?
Love the project!!
Martina, cry me a river. Seriously who cares. Architecture is the beauty of man’s creation within nature. Go live in a tent if you feel that way.
Absolutely love this place. To make it even over the top, they should’ve let the rock part of the pool, and you’d be able to naturally have a mineral water pool =). But the way they contoured it around is a great visual feature. Only issue is location. Who the heck would go to the middle of nowhere?!
with this team I expected no less!
Beautiful and bold architecture but to include a pool in an area that only sees a few inches of rain every year? I find that to be a almost criminal waste a precious water.
A successful architectural design. I like very much
Absolutely greatest. Someone has the complete location of this resort and how to contact it.
I will add a scorpion on the sand next to the hot tub