RMJM's Singapore studio has revealed the designs for the new Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa located on China Beach in Vietnam, considered one of the most luxurious beaches in the world. The project will include residences and a 200-room hotel. The design takes particular inspiration from the historic town of Hue, as the buildings are arranged in clusters, similar to a traditional Vietnamese townscape.

The hotel also features guest rooms that are arranged in clusters, grouped on the east and the west of the lobby. Each group features a three-story building and several two-story blocks, offering privacy in sheltered tropical gardens. Twenty-seven beachfront pool villas are located just south of the hotel.

"The region surrounding the resort has such a magnificent history. Hoi An, My Son and Hue in particular have a very celebrated legacy. We tried to reflect that in our designs for the project landscape, creating an ideal balance between contemporary luxury and Vietnamese tradition," says Karen Lim, design director at RMJM Singapore.

A lush landscape separating the resort from the road also pays tribute to Vietnamese culture. The "rampart" acts as a boundary but also accommodates gateways, back gardens, retail space and various entertainment facilities. This assemblage of different elements is reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese villages and is a reference to the ancient walled architecture of Hue.

"Our rampart, evocative of the walls of Hue, serves many functions," explains Lim. "This includes hosting modern facilities and retail space, while providing a gateway to the resort. This is an example of how we've combined modern luxury with Vietnamese tradition"

The hotel is expected to open in 2010.