THE WORLD'S GREENEST RESORT
09 Mar 2016
Aiming to be the greenest resort in the world may be a big undertaking, but the Oasis Eco Resort in Abu Dhabi is going to give it a shot – and top it with over 14,000sqm of solar panels.
With a plan to become the greenest eco resort in the world, the Oasis Eco Resort is set to host an extensive range of sustainable systems. The planned resort will sit in the desert landscape of Liwa in Southern Abu Dhabi and will include a host of sustainable features, including close to 14,585sqm (157,000 sq ft) of solar panels. Sitting atop the roof that rings the resort, the expected output of the solar panels will power all 780sqm (8400 sq ft) of the luxury project.
Designed by Baharash Architecture for an upscale clientele, the Oasis Eco Resort will not be short on luxury amenities, but the sustainable design shows a deeper understanding of the relationship between the barren environment and the impact of development.
“At the very early stages of the project, we found out that we could extract groundwater using a deep well. This gave us an opportunity to create a story around a spring, which was of critical importance to Bedouins for trade and transportation routes,” said Baharash Bagherian.
Water from the well will be utilised responsibly, providing water to service the luxury development as well as being used for crop irrigation, fish farming, recreational activities, and providing habitat for local fauna.
The crops grown at the resort will be used to provide fresh ingredients for the onsite restaurant, supplemented by food from local farmers. The restaurant will offer indigenous delicacies as well as international cuisine and guests will be able to choose between Dune dining in the desert, dining by the spring or inside their suite
With water at a premium in this corner of the world it is heartening to see that design plans include sensible systems such as onsite wastewater treatment and water recycling for irrigation to make the resort self-sustaining.
The resort facilities circle the spring that will sit at its centre, providing a tranquil oasis around which guests can relax. It will host 84 interconnecting suites with outdoor terraces in a range of sizes and be equipped with smart glass windows. Communal function areas and key amentities such as a fitness centre and spa facilities will also be included, all with incredible views of the desert oasis outside.
Contributing to its claim as the greenest resort in the world, the Oasis will employ wildlife biologists and conservation staff, and enforce a zero-emission zone. Bagherian claims the project is designed to provide more than just economic and socio-cultural benefits.
“The resort will provide job opportunities for locals, creating a more diversified economy,” he said. “It will also preserve the region’s heritage and provide greater interaction with native people.”
The Oasis Eco Resort is scheduled for completion in 2020.
