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Sustainable Homes at Aqualina

Exclusive Developments is leading the way in producing distinctive environmentally sensitive homes.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Exclusive Developments has teamed up with internationally renowned architectural firm Gfab, Sterling Project Management and Sterling Sustain to ensure that the properties at the Aqualina development have the lowest possible impact on the environment.

A spokesperson for Gfab states, “Throughout our projects we have been attempting to explore the relationships between the site and the environment. We believe the building should be strongly linked to its site, aesthetically and materially, and be as energy efficient as possible.”

With this in mind, Gfab has incorporated numerous techniques in its architectural designs around the world. Deep-cutting and partial burying of buildings to provide insulation, and passive solar controls stimulated by using the roof as either a large inert thermal mass, created by using planters, or an evaporative cooling mechanism, by using reflecting pools and lotus ponds. Such modern techniques are used in conjunction with historical methods, such as thick stone walls, which weather well and offer thermal insulation, and courtyard and rooftop pools where evaporation helps to draw air through the building. Gfab believes that a building can engage with its cultural and topographic conditions and therefore belong exclusively to its locale. Throughout this process Gfab manages to design villas that represent the ultimate in contemporary architecture.

Three variations of villa type are available at Aqualina and the concept was to create contemporary villas that don’t breach Samui’s strict building regulations. Most contemporary designs utilise flat roofs as a standard feature but here the law states that 80% of living spaces must be under a pitched roof. However, in response, Gfab chose to make the roof the dominant architectural and environmental feature of the designs.

Roofs that extend all the way to the floor with a series of stepped planters give the appearance of grassed roofs. An integrated rooftop grey-water irrigation system recycles water, and the evaporation together with the soil from the planters insulates and provides natural cooling for the interiors. The living areas beneath these innovative roofs benefit from the high vaulted spaces that are incorporated into the interior with mezzanine studies and intimate usable spaces.

High-level automatic windows and minimally detailed doors, together with reflecting pools, draw air in and through the property creating a thermal vent which naturally cools the interior and reduces the need for air-conditioning. However, owners can close these up and use AC if they prefer.

The design concept was to merge the boundaries between interior and exterior and therefore have a seamless crossover from architecture to nature.

Sterling Project Management  has been chosen for the construction management and quantity surveying whilst Sterling Sustain is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the project.

Sterling Sustain states, “Building construction and operation have an enormous direct and indirect impact on the environment. Buildings not only use resources such as energy and raw materials, they also generate waste and potentially harmful atmospheric emissions. As economy and population continue to expand, designers and builders face a unique challenge to meet demands for new and renovated facilities that are accessible, secure, healthy, and productive whilst minimising their impact on the environment.”

Sterling Sustain provides the specialist expertise and experience to help deliver such sustainable energy solutions. This sustainable approach supports an increased commitment to environmental control and conservation. The result is an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits. “In its most general sense, sustainability means using resources to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

So, the homes at Aqualina are aesthetically stunning, uniquely contemporary in design and environmentally friendly in the extreme, resulting in a conscience-free property purchase. But that’s not all.

Once you’ve decided to buy an Aqualina villa you have the choice of whether to live there permanently or enter your home into a professional villa management program. All responsibility for the successful villa operation will be met and the extensive portfolio of services will ensure the smooth running of the property. Such a professional service will help you to optimise the earning potential and capital growth of the property.

Aqualina is being marketed through the award winning Samui Villas & Homes (SVH), and Japhy Goldman of SVH states, “Aqualina represents a positive and unique approach to construction, resulting in stylish contemporary villas that have a low environmental impact on the area. Care has been taken not to over-develop the land and ensure privacy to villa owners. Situated in an extremely convenient location and designed by the exceptional Gary Fell at Gfab, SVH is excited to be involved in the marketing of this innovative project.”

Maenam is an ideal location offering privacy for residents with convenience for beautiful beaches, fine-dining, golf and other recreational activities, as well as the airport. Construction on the three-bedroom show-home is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Contemporary homes are often considered inappropriate for tropical environments. However, the incredible design features and environmental sensitivity exhibited at Aqualina provides buyers with an exceptionally modern luxury lifestyle that has a minimal impact on the environment or the aesthetics of the tropical location of the site.
Iconic and eye-catching designs combined with professional project management, sustainable development and the reputation and marketing ability of Samui Villa & Homes make Aqualina a very desirable proposition. The villas and lifestyle on offer represent something totally unique on Samui.