Istana is fortunate to work with some of the leading creative innovators in a wide range of disciplines in delivering true contemporary opulence. Here’s what they had to say about Istana Phuket.

Ralph McMillan, CPS Group Asia - M.E.P. Principles
The MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems are vital to the harmonious running of the development and so have been designed to the highest British and Australian standards and, of course, are also in line with all local Thai standards. In every instance the materials used are of the highest quality available including the latest in Daikin VRV air-conditioning technology. Hot and cold water pipes are supplied direct from Aquatherm in Germany. This company produces the most advanced and environmentally-friendly piping systems in the world. The drainage pipes are IPLEX direct from New Zealand and are designed to prevent any blockages or bad smells occurring in the villas. The pools have even been designed with an in-floor cleaning system which constantly removes debris and minimises the need for staff to vacuum the pool on a daily basis. The villas have also been designed to incorporate as many eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions as possible, including such items as dual flush toilets, automated irrigation systems, variable speed pumps, heat pumps, rain water harvesting and grey water re-use - which treats all grey water and recycles it back into the system for irrigation.

Nisit Trairattana, CPS Group Asia - Audio Systems
Residents at ISTANA villas will love the way that the state-of-the-art Sonos multi-room music system brings perfectly reproduced digital music to every area of their home with effortless control. Sonos delivers a world of music with fingertip control. Using computers via the Internet, villa residents are able to tune into thousands of free radio stations. Villa owners will also benefit from the almost infinite multimedia choices that this system offers. Sonos replaces a large number of costly and power-hungry items such as media servers, CD players and cabling, thereby saving energy and obviating the need for several messy remote controls.

Ralph McMillan, CPS Group Asia - Home Automation
The home automation system in ISTANA villas is completely state-of-the-art. We are using the Dynalite system which is leading the way in providing the ultimate full home automation experience. One of Dynalite’s recent projects was the complete lighting control solution for the 160 floor Barj Tower in the UAE, the tallest building in the world. The Dynalite system at ISTANA has been designed to provide full integration between the lighting control systems, motorised blinds, air conditioning, wireless networks and home theatre. Dynalite also collaborated recently with Somfy who are the leading specialists in automated sun protection, to facilitate seamless integration and develop intelligent solutions for more comfortable and energy efficient residential environments. We expect that these innovations in automation will provide ISTANA owners with up to 40% greater energy efficiency.

Warren Purdom, the Blue Acres - Construction Ideals
The Blue Acres has gained a broad range of experience working as project manager on many styles of development over the past eight years. However, no other development has come close to the unique construction innovations that have been integrated into the architecture and execution of ISTANA. From a construction standpoint ISTANA pushes the boundaries of excellence in many areas, such as:

• The split level configuration of the overall designs, which is a masterpiece of innovation, has challenged our site engineers and the contractors to think outside the box in every step of the construction execution.
• The combination and use of outstanding natural stone and timber materials throughout the project.
• The sensitivity to all the environmental and lifestyle challenges that have been at the forefront of every aspect of ISTANA’S construction.
• The challenge of executing construction work on an unspoiled hillside where we have to retain and preserve as much of the natural tropical vegetation and the existing trees as possible while we build these unique villas in and around them.

Our team at The Blue Acres has been involved in this project since day-one and we are very proud to be a critical part of the team that is turning this stunning architectural dream into a reality.

Steve Collinson, Bar Solutions – Entertaining
We’ve been involved with Istana from the beginning, working alongside Prism Estates and GFAB on the design and installation of all the front of house bars and related features. As each villa is a different shape and size we’ve customised all the fittings and fixtures so that the design is totally ergonomic. We’ve used top of the range equipment and stainless steel throughout. Although a bar is ideal when serving guests during dinner parties, we feel that it’s not something that should be visible at other times. To facilitate this hidden bar meant creating a totally new design. Incorporated into this bar is a fully functioning speed rail as well as juice dividers. We inserted all of this into an oversized drawer, which when opened, allow two mixologists to serve the villa’s guests. When the evening ends, all can be quickly cleaned and hidden from view. There are also full back-bar displays with a unique range of handcrafted bar equipment that hides behind the beautiful Poliform doors. Again, we feel, it’s important that this is not on show unless required, but once it is opened there is a fully functioning bar that can serve 150 guests.
The back-bar, stocked with only premium brands, includes a unique list of cocktails, with instructions, exclusive to ISTANA residents. As many villa owners will want to entertain in the sala area we’ve used the same idea of the ice well in the sala bar. Again this adds to the functionality of this area and means that everywhere in the villa you’re always within reach of that perfect martini.

Rovena Giorgi, A2Zen Consulting - Bathroom Designs
Our team of professionals conducted detailed research to ensure that every aspect of our Antonio Lupi bathrooms was carefully considered. We’re now confident that these important, intimate areas in each villa offer the ultimate in comfort, hygiene and functionality. For example, the huge bath tubs are made from bespoke Corian, one of the most hygienic materials in existence. We’ve also chosen sanitary ware from the elite designer Antonio Lupi who has gained a reputation as the premier niche market brand. For our bathroom fittings and stone work we visited Italy to personally touch and hand select every item used in our incredible bathrooms.
Our extreme attention to detail didn’t stop there. We then returned to Italy to supervise the packing of the completed materials for shipping to Istana.

O.B. Wetzell, Sustainable Return - Eco-Principals
Istana villas are peerless luxury residences which incorporate complete environmental sensitivity employing many innovative features that allow the owners to be highly efficient with the consumption of water and energy.
Here are some of the eco-friendly innovations that give villa owners total energy control:

• Insulated curtains that are automatically drawn against the intense afternoon hours of the sun.
• Automatic switching off of some lighting when not in use.
• Use of LED light bulbs as the most cost effective choice for the chosen light fixtures.
• Low energy settings on many electrical appliances.
• Water efficient sanitary ware fixtures and efficient plant watering.
• Efficient heat harvesting system for hot water.
• The most efficient air conditioning system available, incorporating low maintenance settings.
• Low maintenance settings on pool pumps.

Aside from the positive impact these features have on the environment, at full occupancy they can save up to 40% of the villa’s energy consumption versus a similar villa without these green features.
Istana has also integrated more passive green design elements which further enhance their sustainable luxury:

• Green roofs with cooling water pools which greatly reduce heat retention.
• Low density placement of villas with large populations of shade trees.
• Selection of exterior colours with high solar reflectivity.
• Use of widespread rainwater collection and recycling.
• Well designed sun-shading overhangs.

In summary, ISTANA has been relentless in pursuing designs that reflect the ultimate in eco-sensitivity so that the owners can live a totally sustainable OPULENT lifestyle now and in the future.

Will Goldfarb, Internationally acclaimed Chef – Servicing Opulence
We have designed the back of house areas for all villas to the highest international standards using the best materials and state-of-the-art equipment throughout. To achieve this we have combined our expertise with the advice of Elite Havens and GFAB. To ensure that the back of house works seamlessly with the front of house, these spacious areas include lockable owner storage for your valuables so there’s no need to move your personal effects when renting your villa. Further storage spaces allow your staff to store all of the household linens, cleaning agents, toiletries and spare furniture without wasting space within the home. Bunks are also provided for staff to sleep in when they are working late and a staging area is provided for them to relax. The main feature of the back of house is the commercial grade kitchen which utilizes a smart and savvy design that leaves most commercial kitchens far behind. This may seem excessive for a private residence, but it is our belief that these kitchens should be able to handle smoothly the prestigious social events and dinner parties whether they are for six or 60 guests. As each villa is unique we have custom designed the kitchens, plus every piece of equipment, so that the design is ergonomic and fits like a glove. With these kitchen designs the owners can cater for a dinner party of up to 100 people. All of the elements of the kitchen are designed as they would be in a first class restaurant and the support spaces provide hotel-quality facility to your home.