Starfish | Tropical Luxury Living in The Heart of Pristine Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Service
Masterplan, Architecture
Sector
Hospitality, Retail, Residential
Client
Sun Group
Location
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Area
58 Ha
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Team

Guido Bigolin
Ricard Gonzalvo
Kien Do Trung
Andrea Serrano
Truc Tran
Charisse Foo
Rizalito Tabinas
Juan Velasquez
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Consultants

Master Planner: SOG Design
Architecture: SOG Design
Landscape: EDSA
Operator: Sun World

 

Starfish is a project that melds residential, retail and hospitality into a lush 58-hectare sanctuary in Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s pristine coastal and forested landscapes. Nestled near the resplendent Starfish Beach, also known as Bai Sao Beach, this endeavour is an ode to nature’s finest offerings.

Embracing a vernacular and tropical design approach, we crafted an environment where every detail evokes the essence of a dream vacation.

At the heart of it all lies our client’s vision – to create a premier beach and holiday destination in Phu Quoc, a second home of unparalleled allure and an immersive retail experience. Unveil an array of unique features and programs, the first of their kind in Vietnam, that make Starfish a lifestyle destination like no other.

Starfish is envisioned to set new standards for beachfront living.

Embracing Complex Terrains

Starfish terrain elevation

Our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Phu Quoc’s Starfish Beach is reflected in every aspect of our design. We meticulously curated the landscape, harmonising with the intricate forest terrain and natural elevations.

The steep terrain became the foundation for our design, an exquisite canvas for a vision of living in harmony with the land.

By minimising the cut and fill and with careful road planning adapted to the existing terrain, we ensured that the land’s natural contours remained undisturbed.

We reimagined the entire masterplan through meticulous zoning to reduce the density without sacrificing functionality. Every inch was thoughtfully organised to ensure the design maximised space and serenity.

The need to preserve the area’s mature trees was non-negotiable, as we integrated them to become living monuments to the natural beauty that defines Starfish.

Establishing An Iconic Placemaking Destination

Aerial view of central lagoon at Starfish

Our meticulously placed plazas, nestled between the entrance and the beach, emerge as vibrant hubs for retail, leisure, and entertainment experiences. Here, we’ve designed a journey where every visitor is destined to journey through a kaleidoscope of delights.

Strategically spaced at approximately 250-meter intervals, each plaza possesses its distinct character and program. Whether it’s the allure of open-air stages, the serenity of water features, or the charm of lagoons, they unite to offer abundant experiences along the central axis, leading all the way to the pristine beach.

Our aim transcends architecture and design; it’s about cultivating an environment where the beat of Starfish’s heart is the shared experiences and communal spirit that thrive within it.

Creating Unique Resort-Style Retail Experience

Unique resort-style retail experience at Starfish

Starfish embodies the essence of our philosophy – the fusion of static and dynamic elements into a harmonious tapestry of convenience and serenity.
A lush landscape spine is crafted following natural terrain conditions as the masterplan’s central focus, creating seamless continuous connectivity from main public arrival to the beach.

We’ve curated an environment where high-end retail boutiques coexist with expansive open-space entertainment complexes and mesmerizing water shows.
By positioning the commercial aspect in the central plaza, we’ve created a space where the community flourishes amidst Phu Quoc’s majestic sea views.

Weaving a Sustainable Tropical Luxury Living

Sunset view from luxury villa at Starfish

One of this project’s key factors was co-existing with the natural habitat.

Enforcing a green network was vital – to which we avoided removing the elements of the trees and terrains. Instead, our approach revolved around the use of sustainable materials and innovative solutions, such as the integration of solar panels, the introduction of bioswales, and the implementation of water filtration systems.

Throughout the area, premium shophouses seamlessly blend amidst lush botanical features. At the same time, luxury villas extend their embrace, offering panoramic vistas of pristine blue waters and looking out to the beach at sunrise.

STARFISH immerses residents and guests in spaces where architectural innovation weaves in nature, from the vibrant Starfish Square to the opulent clubhouse and dramatic infinity pool.

Notable Awards Won

First place in Urban Design (Concept) at the Rethinking The Future Awards ’24.

First place in Mixed Use (Concept) at the Rethinking The Future Awards ’24.

Starfish sketchup design process by SOG Design