June 12, 2025

BACA in Sleeper Magazine

We’re incredibly proud to share a project that’s especially close to my heart: a new eco-resort in the Maldives, that features in this month’s iconic Sleeper Magazine. We’ve been working closely with AIMA Construction to bring this vision to life in Baa Atoll, just north of Malé. The resort will feature a mix of overwater villas and beachfront accommodation, along with five unique restaurants, a clubhouse, and a treetop spa made up of individual treatment pods.

One of the standout elements for me is the arrival pavilion. I envisioned it as a sculptural form, inspired by driftwood scattered along the shoreline, natural, weathered, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. It sets the tone for what we want guests to feel: that they’re entering a space in harmony with its surroundings.

The overwater villas draw inspiration from the manta rays that glide through the waters of the region. Their distinctive shapes and fluid motion guided our design, with sweeping rooflines and curving façades that opens to expansive decks and private pools.On land, the treetop spa nestles high in the canopy. We designed it to immerse guests in nature, each spa pod is built around biophilic principles, while open-air relaxation spaces offer breathtaking views of the island’s lush interior.

Dining is an important part of the experience too. Each of the five restaurants will celebrate local culture, using regionally sourced materials and handcrafted furnishings to create spaces that feel rooted, welcoming, and real.

From the start, sustainability has been at the heart of everything we've done. We're deeply committed to protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Baa Atoll. To that end, the resort will run on floating solar panels and a biomass centre powered by coconut husks. We’re also using prefabricated and recycled materials throughout construction to reduce our environmental footprint as much as possible.

November 15, 2025

Richard Coutts Sketching in Seville

November 12, 2025

Richard's Field Sketches of the Museo de Bella Artes

November 10, 2025

Richard Coutts at the Alvaro Siza sketchbook archive in Madrid.

October 28, 2025

Richard Speaking at the Liverpool Waterfront Development Conference 2025

October 17, 2025

BACA architects Advance Flood-Resilient Design in India

Richard Coutts with many other delegates in India for GBIP's Mission to India.

October 3, 2025

Chennai's Approach to Urban Flood Resilience