The Maldives boasts the world’s lowest average ground level, which results in some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. Using the vantage of having a unique preposition of being discovered by the “sea or the sky”, they have taken to incredible feats of architecture and promoted sustainable tourism to higher levels.
Maldivians are very susceptible to sea-level changes, where the responsibility for global CO2 reduction in the atmosphere falls mainly on a few large economies. However, this little island nation’s achievement of carbon neutrality should serve as a model for sustainable growth in larger countries. There may be no more excellent venue on the planet to demonstrate the future of sustainable living through projects like the Kudadoo Private Island by Yuji Yamazaki.
Passive Design
In a tropical climate, following cool and shaded spaces promoting beautiful views become design’s driving force. Typical villas and public spaces have full-height movable windows strategically positioned on opposite walls, promoting natural air ventilation with Maldivian wind. Nature provides comfort with the breeze, shade, and scenery ~ something much wanted by every tourist and visitor coming to the private islands here in the Maldives.
More than half of the water villas’ private outdoor decks were created with overhang roofs, umbrellas, and canopies to provide at least 5 hours of shade during the day. Our “egg crate” privacy screen system between villas provides visitors with a more expansive frontal ocean vista while restricting views from nearby villas.
It is peculiar to this island nation that you first discover your destination from the sky, giving visitors a stunning impression of the complete architecture on the island. Traditionally, solar panels are buried in discrete regions in the Maldives and serve no other use. However, in Kudadoo, the photovoltaic roof is prominent and serves as an icon of the place.
Solar Energy
The solar notion for the Kudadoo is aimed to be as educational, convincing, and productive as it is productive. Visitors can estimate the magnitude of the solar roof at a glance and then understand its link to the extent of the resort served. This reaches the overarching concept of promoting different ways to be an “eco-tourist“.
The initial expenditure on the solar system is expected to be repaid in 5 years due to the elimination of the requirement to import diesel fuel. This should serve as an excellent model for other countries with similar conditions. The system generates 320kWp of electricity to power the entire island without diesel fuel.
As you go closer, the building’s design shows geometry that not only maximizes power production by its angle but also decreases electricity use by enabling sunshine to penetrate through the gaps between panels, reducing the use of artificial light during the day.
Inspiration from Nature
The design of the surroundings is inspired by what was previously present. Beautiful beaches, coastal plantings, coconut plantations, and deep woods adorned the island. Landscape plant materials remained natural to protect the existing ecology. Among the significant flora are Coconut Palm (Dhivehi Ruh), Sea Lettuce (Magoo), Iron Wood (Kuredhi), Beach Hibiscus (Dhigga), and Screwpine (Boa Kashikeya). In order to conserve the vegetation, all guest accommodations are located on the sandy lagoon. There is an ecology related to existing islands in the region, and minimizing the disruption was part of our critical objective.
Living Sustainably
The solar panels on this 2,000-square-metre roof have been determined to generate enough power to serve 50 guests and 100 staff on the private island anytime. Kudadoo genuinely exemplifies the future of sustainable resorts in tropical climes. The Retreat’s graceful, gently sloping roof reflects the bright Equatorial sunlight, creating a comfortable dappled glow beneath and, more importantly, generating electricity.
Even though the solar system produces an excess of electricity, all dwellings are designed to consume as little energy as possible. The desalination facility produces 100% potable water from seawater. The resort’s drinking water is bottled in reusable glass bottles on the island. To reduce overall water use, purified water is re-distributed to the irrigation system or reused in toilet flushing. An on-site sewage facility cleanses wastewater to limit sludge generation on the island further.
References:
Archdaily (2018). Kudadoo Maldives Private Island / Yuji Yamazaki Architecture [online]. (Last updated 2018). https://www.archdaily.com/980477/kudadoo-maldives-private-island-yuji-yamazaki-architecture [Accessed 17th November 2022].
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island [online]. (Last updated 2019). https://archello.com/project/kudadoo-maldives-private-island [Accessed 15th November 2022].
Kudadoo Design: Visually Appealing And Sustainable (Last updated 2018). https://www.kudadoo.com/latest-news/yuji-yamazaki-design/ [Accessed 17th November 2022].
