EnglishPoint is a stunning modern, waterfront environmentally friendly development designed by Broadway Malyan, a major European architectural firm. It offers apartment living in the comfort, luxury and security of a hotel. Onsite facilities include a hotel, international restaurant, spa & gym, 88-berth serviced marina, water sport centre, boardwalk with shops and an underground car park. EnglishPoint is located on a unique four-acre beach and seafront site, across the creek from the spectacular skyline of old Mombasa and the historic 16th century Portuguese Fort Jesus.

• zero-carbon

Environmental modelling was carried out at the design stage in order to determine the optimum shading strategy for the development so as to reduce solar heat gains which in turn will reduce the cooling demand of the development. A renewable energy strategy that utilises a combination of solar thermal panels and micro-wind generation will provide a proportion of the developments energy needs, reducing dependence on the national grid and providing low cost energy to the end user. Each apartment unit will have its own isolated solar thermal array which uses solar energy to heat hot water for domestic use. An array of eight 2.5kW wind turbines, both stand alone and building integrated, will supplement the developments electrical demand with zero carbon electricity. Low energy lighting throughout to consist of fluorescent, compact fluorescent and LED lighting. All internal spaces have been designed with cross ventilation considered so as to abate the use of mechanical cooling. Central AC unit per apartment. 15 to 20% saving on energy consumption. Solar reflective glass on doors and windows. Eliminate effects of direct sunlight on apartments, reducing the cost of cooling the apartments. Solar shutters to eliminate effects of direct sunlight on apartments, reduces the cost of cooling the apartments. Smooth white exterior finish to reflect the sun and reduce heat absorption to the building fabric.

• zero-waste

The space provision for the future separation of recyclable waste will be provided for when a local operator initiates a waste recycling strategy in the region. Anaerobic digestion will help break down organic waste from the site and allow for methane to be captured and burned as a useable fuel within the development. Local recycling of cans, bottles and plastic, and all organic waste to be included in compostable waste into the biodigestor.

• sustainable water

A rainwater harvesting system is used to collect rainwater from all rooftops on the development which then stores this rainwater for treatment and use within the development. All greywater and blackwater is stored and treated on site for re-use within the development for irrigation. Indigenous species of plants and vegetation will be planted throughout the development to limit the water demand for irrigation purposes. Borehole water will be extracted and treated for use within the development which will reduce demand on the municipal supply. A proportion of the water on site will be treated for potable use in order to reduce and limit the amount of potable water that is imported to the development. Dual flush toilets and aerated taps and showerheads reduce the demand on water use. Rainwater harvesting from all hard surface areas is used for toilet flushing and irrigation.

• local and sustainable building materials

Where possible, local materials will be used to reduce the environmental footprint of the import and transport of foreign materials. A local contractor will be used for the construction of the scheme, promoting local employment and expanding the skill base within the region through appropriate training. 500 construction workers to be used, locally sourced coral blocks in construction, permanent employment for at least 200 workers.

• sustainable transport

Airport transfers will be provided to and from the airport for the development users. This will limit the number of vehicles on the local road networks and also limit the vehicle access on to the site itself. Ferry boat service for residents and visitors will cut down on the 1hr each way trip around Nyali bridge thus reducing road congestion and pollution.

Located on the Kenyan coast, Medina Palms is an exclusive collection of luxury properties all with direct access to the powder white beaches of the Watamu National Marine Park and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Carefully designed with strong environmental and conservation principles, the village is around a two-hour journey from Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya’s largest wildlife reserves.

• zero-carbon

Optimum orientation and design - balconies and roof terraces - ensures natural cooling by taking advantage of prevailing breezes. Energy from renewables includes solar hot water and LED lighting for communal buildings, gardens and walkways. Low energy light bulbs will be used in the properties. A wind generator is proposed for pumping pool water and providing some community lighting. A plant nursery onsite is propagating indigenous trees and plants that will complement the existing flora and offset carbon dioxide emissions.

• zero-waste

Kitchens will be fitted with separate recycling bins. Recycled glass products will be used onsite where possible. Offsite composting is undertaken. Construction material waste will be recycled and reused. Plastic flipflops will be collected from the tidal debris and given to The Flipflop Recycling Company who recycle them into craft items. Medina Palms have instigated ‘Keep Watamu Clean - No Plastics’ which launches in October 2008. The project aims to rid Watamu of plastic carrier bags by supplying the local supermarket with reusable woven carrier bags.

• sustainable water

Two Bio Digesters will minimise water consumption and generate water for irrigation purposes. Showers rather than baths and dual flush WCs will conserve water. 120,000 litre storage tanks will hold rainwater, and the use of terracing and construction on sand will reduce ‘run off’. The planting of indigenous trees and shrubs will complement soil stability.

• local and sustainable building materials

The properties are to be built from stone block - locally sourced from a quarry for consistency of structural strength - concrete and steel, with local casurina and palm thatch roofs. Local plaster craftsman will be employed for the fine decoration of the walls; an estimated 40 new jobs will be created long-term and 150 short-term.

• sustainable transport

Two staffed solar electric golf buggies will transport owners/guests and goods around the site, and a collection of bicycles will be available for use. Each owner has one parking space, which will be used on average 10% of the year. Guests tend not to hire cars and instead use the local ‘tuk-tuks’ or taxis, which supports the local community.

Facing the spectacular Atlas Mountains, Domaine Royal Palm is an eco-friendly residential and hotel resort that will be home to sport and leisure facilities, a small shopping centre, and two luxury hotels - Beachcomer Hotels Royal Palm Golf and Spa (Clarins) and a Marriot Hotel - where the conceptual philosophy is one of the sensible use of and respect for natural resources, heritage, Morocco and traditional values.

• zero-carbon

No fossil fuels are being used - renewable energy is from solar and ground source heat for the villas and swimming pools. The villas’ orientation is designed to optimise natural temperature regulation, exploiting shaded areas while facilitating air circulation. The use of terracotta bricks in cavity walls ensures optimal insulation. More than 200,000 olive trees and indigenous dense shrub hedges will be planted across the resort.

• zero-waste

The developer says recycling is a new issue in Morocco, and a civic pre-treatment station for waste/packaging is due in two years. Prior to its implementation a planned system of selective sorting of the garbage will be practised at the resort. Similarly, the treatment of organic waste is planned.

• sustainable water

Rainwater will be collected and recycled. The golf course will be watered using recovered water that has been treated in the resort’s used water purification station, which is being built specifically for the development. Low flush toilets and air-flow taps will be installed in all villas. The swimming pools’ waters will be treated naturally with electrolysis or UV filter. The planting of local fauna will alleviate rainwater runoff.

• local and sustainable building materials

All of the villas are built using local terracotta. Earth used for walls and plaster is taken directly from the site to ensure complete harmony between the colours of the building and the land. The resort’s fencing and land divisions are made of traditional rammed earth or dense shrub hedges. A minimum of 2,500 locals will be employed to work on construction and operationally to run the resort overseen by an environment director.

• sustainable transport

Owners and their guests’ motor vehicles are permitted onsite. Electric buggies will be provided onsite. Site security and maintenance will be undertaken on a non-motorised vehicle. A shuttle bus service will be operated to the airport and to Marrakech city centre to obviate the need for owners to use their own vehicles or to hire cars.