A series of gardens nestled among dense groves of palm trees

Infinite Maldives, a five-hectare resort residence, is located on the Malé Atoll, deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The resort blends into the sea and the lush greenery in an “infinite manner,” its design highlighting the Maldives landscape and sense of place while producing a “true act of sustainability,” as architect Shigeru Ban describes it. To minimize the transportation and energy needed for construction and material production, the design relies on multiple innovative prefabrication methods and uses lightweight and recycled materials where possible.

Beach villas dot the shoreline of the main island and melt into dense groves of palm trees. A series of clearings emerge among the palms, sprinkled with four gardens: the beach garden, the recreation garden, the dining garden, and the water garden. A watercourse winding through the gardens connects each one, accompanied by a network of informal sandy paths running to the ocean. Lush greenery surrounds each beach villa, creating more intimate spaces.  

Rows of overwater villas made of wood and other locally-sourced materials extend from the western tip of the island, connected by a long wooden walkway. Bamboo dams are installed between these floating villas, designed for catching sediment in the water to cultivate a coastal mangrove forest.