International design firm WATG has created the first five-star resort on Flores Island, Indonesia. The tropical getaway takes the form of the region’s infamous reptilian indigene – the Komodo dragon – and occupies a 3.4-acre expanse on Waecicu Beach. On-site guest amenities include 192 rooms and 13 suites, a 420sq m spa, six restaurants, two shoreside pools, and a 500sq m pier leading to a private diving centre. Bill Reed,

Some of the world’s most renowned architectural practices have submitted entries to a design competition for a new building in Melbourne, Australia. Situated in the city’s Southbank area, the new building will be a mixed-use tower development. Six entrants, including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), MAD Architects, Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and MVRDV have submitted entries. BIG, in partnership with Fender Katsalidis Architects, are proposing a mega 359.6m-high two-building development

London practice Baharash Architecture have designed three self-sustaining biodome attractions for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are being developed to promote the country’s booming ecotourism market. Located in the eastern part of the UAE, in the Al Hajar Mountains, the project will provide facilities for a wildlife conservation centre, a restaurant, educational workshops and an adventure-based wilderness retreat – all housed within the three giant domes. The structures will

The first renderings of Montreal’s planned new biodome have been released by architecture studio KANVA. The dome, which has been part of the city’s natural science museum Space for Life since 1992, is being extensively revamped as part of Montreal’s 375th birthday celebrations. KANVA won an international competition for the project in 2014 after creating a concept design to “rethink the relationship between mankind and nature” and bolster the museum’s

The Houston Astrodome, could be saved and turned into a multi-use leisure facility, following the publication of a new report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The ULI report was complied by a panel of experts from the fields of architecture, urban planning and land use. Suggestions include a ground-level open space that could host an array of activities including an adventure park, indoor track, zip lines and mountain bike

Chester Zoo has shelved its plans for a new £90m Heart of Africa biodome attraction, saying that the project will now form a 'latter part' of the zoo's £225m Natural Vision scheme. A spokesperson told Attractions Management the biodome had been postponed due to government cuts and that another part of the Natural Vision would take priority and open as the first phase of the ambitious redevelopment. She said: "The