A UK-based architectural firm's Kuwait hotel plans –temporarily halted by the Iraq war – are now back on track and the hotel should be completed by the end of 2005.

Co-founded by Simon Mitchell and Torquil McIntosh in February 2002, Sybarite's new hotel will be situated at the entrance to the Kuwait Free Trade Zone and has a contract sum of £30m.

Currently at detail design stage and negotiating with management contractors, Sybarite began the initial design for the Kuwait hotel before the Iraq war in 2001. When war broke out, the project was put on hold until recently, when work has begun again.

The design of the hotel covers an area of 12,000 sq m with the main hotel structure being surrounded by a garden oasis sunk below sand level to have the distant appearance of a crater.

Water sprinkler jets will skirt the top lip of the crater, refracting the sunlight and giving the illusory effect of a domed roof while creating a natural rainbow to effectively 'finish' the shape of the building.

The rainbow effect will also lend an unusual, atmospheric light inside, while the lip of the crater will be slightly tilted to allow guests views of the surrounding harbour.

Inside there will be 35 individually-designed suites with other features set to include a selection of restaurants, saunas, a spa, a beauty section, a bowling alley and a cinema. Details: www.sybarite-uk.com