ECO-TOURIST LUXURY RESORT | English Harbour | Antigua
The project is an Eco-Tourism Resort located within the volcanic Southwest region of Antigua, specifically in the yachting region of English Harbour. The highest emphasis was placed on the development of a project that would be ecological and environmentally sustainable. This was achieved by a sensitive design approach which complements the natural resources of the site as well as through the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas of the site. The project proposes to preserve and enhance ecological processes through a variety of measures such as: reforestation, recovery of native flora and fauna, sustainable storage and distribution of water, the protection and re-establishment of coastal eco-systems. Architecturally the project seeks to develop features which complement and enhance the beauty of the natural landscape of English Harbour. The focus was to be sensitive to heritage resources and to preserve the scenic beauty of the hillside views. The steep topography allowed for an opportunity to investigate sectional complexity in the placement of the various program structures.
Public Welcome Center
Upon arrival to the resort the visitor is presented with a structure which minimally frames the panoramic view through a simple opening on the façade. As one enters the reception space the building opens up in a perspectival manner with tiered floor levels embracing the full view of the sea. The architectural intention for the main building is to create a welcoming space that provides shelter from the sun at various degrees of shade, allowing the visitor to decide what would be the most relaxing environment for them. The main building interior program consists of a reception area, bar/lounge and restaurant with live entertainment, poolside dining, business center/ library, gym and a small retail space. The exterior deck consists of an infinity edge pool and wrap-around lounging, pool cabanas, and garden areas. The spa is located a few steps from the main building in a more secluded area, designated for massage, yoga, steam/sauna and other spa-related activities.
Cottage
The private cottage is over 600 sf and made of environmentally friendly greenheart wood, stained in colors that complement and enhance the natural surroundings of the site.The cottage is composed of high ceilings, clerestory windows, sliding shutter doors and windows. The shutter doors and windows open and close, allowing the space to feel completely open to the views or closed for various degrees of privacy. The interior space of the cottage consists of an air conditioned bedroom area with a large king size bed mini bar and desk. The bathroom and dressing area allow for private relaxation within the sunken tub and large shower. Natural light is designed to enter into the bathroom through two windows that are discrete and provide views to the landscape.The cottage exterior takes advantage of the panoramic sea view through the incorporation of a wrap-around verandah with a sunbathing / lounging area and private plunge pool.
Villa
The garden villa is aligned with the topography to optimize desirable views from all rooms of the home. The villa is composed of three distinct areas; the master suite, the great room, and the guest bedrooms. The master suite level consists of a spacious master bedroom, his and hers closets, master bathroom and gym, as well as a private outdoor deck accessed from the master suite overlooking the garden and the sea. The great room includes a tiered open living, dining, and kitchen with operable sliding doors that open onto the outdoor pool deck. Aligned with the kitchen level, the floor extends onto the pool deck with a proper outdoor kitchen alongside the pool jacuzzi. The guest bedroom level has two bedrooms and shared bathroom overlooking the courtyard garden.
Power Source
The development aims to utilize solar technology both passive and photo voltaic methods however APUA will be the primary source of power. APUA power will be brought to the site and step down transformers provided as necessary. In considering APUA’s Interconnection Policy the development is planning to incorporate solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable power source connecting to the utility grid/network. Passive hybrid solar/electric water heater systems will be installed throughout. Furthermore gaseous burning generators will be provided on-site providing stand-by power to the entire development. Underground natural gas or LPG tanks will be located on site to fuel stand-by generators and cooking facilities.
Potable Water
The development aims to harvest 3 water sources, rainwater, desalinated sea water and APUA water sources. Rainwater will be collected from building roofs and networked to underground sump-tanks from where the harvested water will be pumped to the on-site processing & storage facility. Additionally a reverse osmosis system will desalinate sea water for use and all 3 sources will be stored in multiple storage tanks and sanitized via UV and other filtering methods. APUA water service will be brought to the site and act as make-up water to the system ensuring uninterrupted water supply.
Waste Water Management
"Black-water" (from toilets) will be processed through multiple low pressure septic tank systems (on average one system per two cottages) utilizing a septic tank and an additional effluent pumping chamber distributing doses of effluent to plastic chamber leech fields throughout the property for final processing. This system would ensure safe effluent processing considering the predominantly clay-like soil found on the site. "Grey-water" (sinks and showers) will be diverted from each cottage for irrigation of trees, shrubs and large plants in the immediate cottage vicinity. The system utilizes gravity to distribute "grey-water" via a series of buried pipes to individual plant root systems incorporating a mulch basin.
