Silver Reef is located on the Caribbean island of St Kitts on a natural rise that gives spectacular views of both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Situated less than a five-minute walk down a pathway from Frigate Bay’s coral powder sands and clear waters, every effort has been made to develop the resort in an environmentally sustainable manner. Sustainability Consultants Price & Myers were retained to guide the design with special regard to the Kyoto Protocol, the St Kitts Sustainable Energy Plan, and the St Kitts-Nevis Sustainable Development Agenda. LEED tropical climate building model elements were applied.

• zero-carbon

The homes have been oriented and designed with overhangs and louvers to minimise solar gain. Natural and induced cross-ventilation were a primary consideration at design stage. Solar thermal water heating panels are installed for homes with solar powered (pv) landscape lighting. The resort will be 100% geo-thermal powered within four years. A government wind power initiative is in consideration, as is a CJP system for the resort’s commercial centre.

• zero-waste

Waste collection is centrally managed. Recycling programmes and training have been initiated for staff; owners’ programmes will follow. Sea-weed is harvested for landscape fertilisation/moisture retention. An off-site recycling plant is under construction that the resort intends to partner.

• sustainable water

Air-flow taps, low-flush toilet mechanisms, fine spray showers, and low-capacity bathtubs have been installed in all homes. Grey and black water is treated and recycled for irrigation. Solid matter is used for landscape fertilisation. Soft landscaping design reduces rainwater run off. Hard landscaping includes permeable parking areas to reduce water run-off (SUDS system). Rainwater is harvested into a 100,000 gallon cistern. A ground/storm water retention pond has been designed.

• local and sustainable building materials

All timber used is from FSC accredited sources, and aggregates for construction is from a local quarry three miles distant. Sand excavated from a local river bed source for construction is regularly sustained by storm deposits. The properties’ exterior walls are part constructed and finished in local stone. 95% local labour is employed.

• sustainable transport

Owners are restricted to one fossil-fuel vehicle per accommodation. Sleeping policemen have been installed to slow traffic. Bicycles are offered for green alternative to car rental. Residents are encouraged to use 400 yard footpath to strip of local bars and restaurants. Resort includes convenience store to minimise vehicular shopping excursions. Onsite staff vehicles are solar rechargeable buggies.

The resort’s infrastructure, set in more than 560 hectares of prime land with five kilometres of palm fringed beach, is dedicated to the concept of ecotourism. The Reef Club adheres to the Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE), based on the principles of sustainable development first set out at the 1992 Earth Summit. All guests/homeowners will be encouraged to adhere to the ecological ethos in order to protect and enhance the resort’s unique ecosystem of mangrove glades, coconut palms and lagoons.

• zero-carbon

Solar panels on the roofs of every building will generate half the energy required for hot water, pumps and lighting. Ninety per cent of the energy requirements in Pernambuco, the state in which the Reef Club is located, is from renewable sources. Appropriate building orientation will maximise natural air-flow and reduce aircon demand.

• zero-waste

Recycling and waste reduction will be actively pursued through educational programmes. Only biodegradable detergents will be used for cleaning purposes onsite.

• sustainable water

An extensive rainwater storage system and wastewater recycling plant will irrigate the golf course and other appropriate green areas. Low flow taps and showers, and reduced flush toilets will be a feature of all buildings.

• local and sustainable building materials

The buildings will be low rise featuring wood and natural materials harvested according to sustainable practices. Qualta Foundation promises to generate over 3,000 jobs for the local community during construction, and many more thereafter in the ongoing running of the resort.

• sustainable transport

Golf buggies, bicycles and horses are to be used within the 560-hectare site. Motor vehicles will not be permitted within the resort’s interior.

Set on an old plantation estate in lush tropical rainforest, Culloden Reef has been sensitively designed to be entirely in tune with nature by international award winning architects Denton Corker Marshall. The land has passed its Environmental Impact Assessment, achieved the necessary environmental certificate and has sought Green Globe certification.

• zero-carbon

Villas have been designed to maximise natural air flow throughout and as such minimise the need for air conditioning. Considerations as to their shape and access to natural lighting have been considered so as to maximise natural ventilation and minimise artificial internal lighting.

• zero-waste

A recycling plant will be installed so as to reduce waste from the hotel and in turn reduce the need for land fill. Culloden Reef will also have its own composting site and a seedling nursery.

• sustainable water

Plans to reduce water usage are in progress. Cisterns under structures will be positioned for rainwater collection.

• local and sustainable building materials

Hardwood, cotton and hand-carved furniture, sourced from sustainable-forest projects in Guyana, will be used. Eco-sensitive construction methods will be employed and local labour will be used wherever possible. Plans also include an organic farm to supply the hotel with all of its fruit and vegetable needs as well as to supply the spa with its ingredients.

• sustainable transport.

All transportation will be as unobtrusive and quiet as possible. Cars will be restricted to the periphery of the development and onsite circulation will primarily be bicycles and golf carts.