Project - Finolhu Villas - YYA | Yuji Yamazaki Architecture PLLC

Name
The Muraka Undersea Residence

Program
Hospitality

Size
800 sq.m.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Status
Completed in 2018

Concept
The Muraka at Conrad Maldives, the undersea residence, is a two-level structure consisting of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean's surface. The undersea suite features a king-size bedroom, living area, bathroom, and walk-in closet. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five meters (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment, which boasts panoramic views of the wonders of the Indian Ocean's intricate marine life.

Side view of the luxury over water villa with a guest looking out to the ocean

Looking out to the ocean horizon from the floating wooden deck of the over-water villa suite. The villa has expansive sliding doors for a blurred boundary between exterior and interior

Modern living room with white marble bar of the over water villa. The gathering space has unobstructed views of the open Maldivian ocean. Beyond the sliding glass doors on the warm wood deck is an infinity pool and sun loungers.

More than half of the wall and ceiling surface is covered with 7” thick clear acrylic to visually connect the outside and the suite. The underwater spaces span 100 square meters and are accessed through the spiral staircase and an elevator from an overwater living room. In order to minimize the inevitable appearance of heavy steel and concrete, the majority of the interior spaces are upholstered with leather, and the floor is covered with carpet, with which, sound reverberation is also minimized. The interior design and much detailing of finishes were inspired by airplane luxury cabins. Every part of the interior was carefully measured, modulated, mocked up, and installed. Despite the fact that this is the only underwater bedroom in the region, automated privacy screens are integrated into all windows and controlled with a tablet in conjunction with a lighting system, similar to ones in luxury airplane cabins.

Publication
Living by the Ocean: Contemporary Houses by the Sea, Phaidon Editors

Press
The New York Times
Architectural Digest
Forbes
Dezeen
Archdaily
Designboom
Elle Decor

Contemporary bedroom design watching the ocean life in the ground breaking under water architecture

Looking out to the ocean at sunset from the deck of the luxury villa. An infinity pool is on the right with lounge chairs on the left

The Maldives is known for its pristine beach and sea. The views of the ocean are breathtaking, but that’s only half of the Maldivian beauty. The other half exists underwater. There is an underwater ecosystem that is worth showing to the visitors without diving in the sea. Creating safe places where people can calmly observe marine life would help draw attention to what is happening to the sea, recognize the changes, and get inspired.

An infinity pool in the foreground with the white over water luxury villa in the background. The sunset can be seen through the reflection of the villas floor to ceiling windows.

Nighttime in the contemporary aquarium bedroom of the under water villa at a luxury resort in the Maldives

Corridor with an aquarium skylight leading to the bedroom of the underwater villa.

Looking out to the ocean horizon from the floating wooden deck of the over-water villa suite. At the edge of the deck is an infinity pool. The villa has expansive sliding doors for a blurred boundary between exterior and interior.

A view of the unobstructed Maldivian ocean from the modern bathroom of the over water villa. Relax in the white marble tub and watch the tranquil waves during your opulent get-away.

Right of frame is a the glass balcony of the over water villa with views of the ocean below and beyond. To the left of frame is a villa guest paddle boarding on the open Maldivian ocean.

Luxury bathroom vanity with white marble supporting bowl sinks and a modern black marble finish for the walls.

A tiered earthy marble soaking tub in the suites modern bathroom. Through the windows beyond the spa lays the uninterrupted ocean and clear blue sky.

A family in looking out to a school of fish from the opulent under water villa. The living area of the villa acts as an aquarium observatory.

A view of the over water luxury villa contemporary hotel architecture on a clear beautiful Maldives day. Get your summer nails and vacation nails done for this trip.

A husband and wife in the under water villa's aquarium bathroom putting a necklace or other jewelry design on

Dining room of the luxurious over water villa. The table has service for eight and is complemented by modern grey dining chairs. Adjacent to the wall of full height windows are two black millwork credenzas.

A view of the marine life in the Maldivian ocean from the modern bathroom design of the luxury under water villa. Relax and observer from the modern gray marble vanity with basin sink and foldable mirrors

Modern white marble bar of the of the over water villa. Behind the bar is gorgeous millwork from reclaimed wood. The gathering space has unobstructed views of the open Maldivian ocean.

Contemporary swimsuit design wearing luxury hotel guest on her beach vacation getaway modern architecture wooden deck next to an infinity pool

Down the spiral staircase a school of fish can be seen from the opulent under water villa. The living area of the villa acts as an aquarium observatory.