Soneva Kiri steps lightly on the Thai island of Kood
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Soneva Kiri steps lightly on the Thai island of Kood
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Category: Asia Pacific - Industry economy
- Hotel projects
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-04-09
Why would it take more than five years in the planning and construction of a resort? Quite simply, it is not only the most innovative and visually stunning property imaginable, but also it has been constructed only from eco-responsible materials in harmony with the environment in which it is hosted. Koh Kood, to the south-east of the Gulf of Thailand is considered to be Thailand’s last frontier – beautiful and remote. This is home to Soneva Kiri, which is doing honor to its two sister-properties, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili in the Maldives.
From its inception, the development of Soneva Kiri has been one of total commitment. A commitment to extend the Soneva promise of Intelligent Luxury. Commitments to the environment to ensure that the biodiversity of the idyllic island remains intact, and to the community. And a commitment to showcase the Six Senses philosophy of SLOW LIFE: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.
The resort is naturally integrated into the landscape utilizing biomimicry and biophilic design. Large trees were left untouched and only local and native plants were added to ensure that wildlife has a sound habitat within the resort. Herb and Vegetable gardens have also been established to supplement the kitchen with freshly produced supplies and to improve carbon emissions from transporting food supplies long distances.
The resort’s cooling requirements have been augmented by retaining as much vegetation as possible. Natural ventilation is utilized throughout the resort to minimize dependence on air-conditioning as well as allowing guests the enjoyment of nice fresh air. Passive cooling, insulation, double glazing, energy-saving garden lighting with timer settings and medium voltage power further lower energy consumption and improve the carbon footprint. A Concentrate Solar Power plant has been planned and will provide the resort with clean energy.
Two reservoirs have been established to collect enough rainwater to provide self-sufficiency. Some of this water will be used to produce Six Senses Drinking Water, which is mineralized and bottled in re-usable glass, in either still or sparkling style; an excellent alternative to imported water and eliminating plastic and disposable glass waste, and carbon emissions resulting from transportation. Water-saving shower heads, temperature mixers, aerators, low-flush toilets and push valves are further ways to improve water efficiency. All waste water is treated for use as grey water in garden irrigation.
On such an idyllic remote island as Kood, waste is a real consideration. For starters, the 3-R principle is religiously followed: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. For example, almost all products used are biodegradable and locally sourced. Room amenities such as shampoo and body lotion are provided in bathrooms in ceramic pump dispensers. Suppliers are instructed to reduce packaging materials. Driftwood and left-over building materials are creatively used as décor and for signage. Biomass recycling through charcoal production, livestock and composting ensures that organic material is handled appropriately. Collaboration with the local community on waste management has also been established to introduce recycling as an island-wide initiative.
An experimental luxury villa is a zero carbon emission unit establishing a new industry benchmark. A 1.7 kW Skystream wind turbine, 6.2 kW of solar photovoltaic solar panels, solar hot water panels and a micro-hydro plant using waste water ensures that the Eco Villa is powered by only clean energy. Low embodied energy, materials, recycled waste products and green building techniques that require minimal mechanical energy were used as much as practicable – no cement or concrete was used in the structure. The building’s excellent insulating properties are provided by cellulose insulation in the roof made from recycled newspaper, heat-stop glass and the thermal mass of one-metre thick walls. The roof of the structure has vegetation growing over it, which is yet another layer of insulation which helps control storm water runoff whilst providing a habitat for native flora and fauna as well as integrating the building into the surrounding landscape.
Eco does not mean a reduction in human comfort. The villa is equipped with air-conditioning, personal wine cellar and a swimming pool – actually, a swimming pond. No chemicals are used to treat the pond water, but rather reed beds are filled with aquatic plants to lower the nutrient content and filter the water. An ultra violet light in the pipe system eliminates pathogens and a series of waterfalls aerate the water. Only non-toxic adhesives and wood treatments have been used throughout the building – latex, boracare, lime mortar – and electromagnetic waves have been reduced to virtually negligible levels. The Eco Villa is therefore admirably suited to guests prone to allergies or sensitive to electro-magnetic fields.
Soneva Kiri is scheduled to be unveiled in late 2009.
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