2021 Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture

Jury citation

The One and Only Desaru Coast resort in Malaysia exemplifies its designer’s unique and highly acclaimed contribution to the development of a contemporary architectural language for the Asia Pacific region. Longstanding client partnerships and a patient view of the long gestation of landmark projects like this one underpin this body of work.

In this thoughtful suite of buildings, ideas and methods that have been honed and delivered by a dedicated team over many decades of practice are effortlessly present and persuasively deployed. The expansive One and Only resort complex is located on a 25-hectare site along a pristine, sandy stretch of the south-eastern coast of Malaysia. The luxurious guest accommodation and expansive public hospitality and spa facilities are carefully nestled into a lush tangle of jungle that rolls down to meet the South China Sea.

The Malay Peninsula was described as the “Golden Chersonese” (the “Golden Peninsula”) by the geographers of ancient Greece and Rome, and the town of Desaru has a rich history and culture. Most recently, the site of the resort (which is in close proximity to Singapore) was, in part, the fairway for a golf course. The complex finds firm repose on the landscape, with arrival and gathering focused on a hill-town of floating, naturally ventilated pavilions that sit on a rustic stone base. A relaxed and porous network of pathways and gardens – which include extant mature trees – lead to the guestroom buildings. These secluded havens are arranged around a courtyard (including a private plunge pool) with screened bedroom and bathroom pavilions.

Representing an architecture of enduring relevance, One and Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia embraces the special qualities of place and the value of tradition to create a resort that melts into the landscape and creates the perfect backdrop for purposeful relaxation.

Project credits

Architect: Kerry Hill Architects; Project team: Kerry Hill, Justin Hill, Angelo Kriziotis, Terry Fripp, David Gowty, Ranjit Waugh, Ivan Satriatama, Rossitza Iordanova, Michael Na, Mario Nevez, John Lim, Belinda Downer, Mylene Ng, Cathleen Wing-Kee, Nick Puah, Tan Fock Jee, Ken Lim, Steven Lim, Alan Bajamundi, Lennie Laxamana; Builders: Al-Ambia, MRCB, Suhati, Everchoice, Mahirbina; Engineers: Arup, Wan Husin and Associates; Lighting consultant: CWL Lighting (BKK), Lumino Design Consultants; Landscape consultant: ICN Design International, WAA Design; Cost consultant: Northcroft Lim Perunding; Other consultants GDP Architects, Alma Architects; Photographers Rupert Peace, Nick Puah

One and Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia by Kerry Hill Architects is located in Desaru Coast, Malaysia.