This Singapore hospitality honcho believes luxury has a place in circular systems

Andy Goh, Founder and CEO of hospitality company r+, reveals his brand’s approach to designing destinations that support and uplift surrounding communities.

By Andy Goh / 8 Nov 2022

Andy Goh, Architect, hot seat, October 2022 Issue

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Andy Goh, Founder and CEO, r+ (Photo: Athirah Annisa)

As an architect and developer, I’ve worked with many real estate and hospitality firms over the past 20 years. My projects have taken me to extraordinary locales around Indochina, my region of practice. And as a result, I have gained an understanding of the opportunities for upliftment in underserved communities there.

At r+ destinations, our approach to engagements is holistic. We want to create sustainable, mutually beneficial circular systems for the long term.

First, we must understand the challenges locals face in earning a living. They may be fishermen at coastal villages or they could be farmers living on low-lying land in a river delta. In farming areas, r+ agronomists review climate and soil conditions, then introduce suitable high-yield seeds to increase harvests sustainably.

These outcomes net the farmers a healthier income and, in many cases, have convinced a younger generation to view agriculture as a viable way of life and take pride in continuing their family traditions rather than leaving to seek employment in cities. We also innovate food products, such as processing fresh catch into fish crackers, which have a longer shelf life and can be sold for higher prices.

Efficient systems for better living

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The produce supplies both the retail and F&B outlets at our resorts, with guests enjoying farm-to-table freshness and menus that evolve with the seasons.

All our developments are modular and built off-site using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method for greatest efficiency. They are then moved on-site and installed on a steel framework that sits lightly on the land, reducing site disturbance and the overall development footprint. Within them, guests can expect every conceivable luxury of a five-star stay.

Passive design features, such as ample greenery, green roofs, courtyards, open transitional spaces, clerestory windows and louvres, ensure natural ventilation and airflow, eliminating the need for excessive air-conditioning. It is equally important to consider the context of the site: the villas at r+ koh rong, for example, are built on a hillside and have lap pools, which provide adiabatic cooling while regulating the ambient temperature. Solar and rainwater harvesting are also used in the villas to produce energy.

Above all, r+ living is about realising a better way of life for everyone.

Related: This sustainable food packaging entrepreneur turns food ware into fertiliser

Andy Goh, Architect, hot seat, October 2022 Issue