Halcyon Hills is a luxury marina and spa resort comprising newly built apartments and villas, set in a secluded water front location on the pretty Greek island of Samos. The development has been designed to minimise the environmental impact on the local area from considered water recycling to sympathetic architectural design that facilitates airflow and obviates the need for energy hungry air-conditioning.

• zero-carbon

Properties are being architecturally designed to facilitate airflow, and using smaller windows to the rear and larger windows to the front of each property. Solar panels for water heating are being strategically placed through the resort so as not to impact on the views. Building materials and labour will be sourced on the island, limiting the construction carbon footprint.

• zero-waste

Recycling of organic and non-organic waste will be implement in due course. Where applicable, all building material waste will be recycled.

• sustainable water

Grey and black water is treated on site and recycled for irrigation. A small onsite desalination plant will supply water for the heating system throughout. Landscaping is being planted at correct angles and levels enabling the water to not have a ‘run-off’ effect, which helps avoid soil corrosion and prevents water loss. The use of organic mulch will also prevent excess water loss; a computerised irrigation system controls the levels of water to the plants, reducing water wastage.

• local and sustainable building materials

A local workforce will be employed for building works and maintenance of the hotel and resort. Where possible, local stone and woods will be used for cladding the properties and throughout the buildings where possible.

• sustainable transport

There is no vehicular access to the site beyond the main hotel building. Electrical powered vehicles are used for transport around the resort, limiting noise and pollution. An airport shuttle bus will be provided.

Las Torrentas is being conceived as a sustainable community with the latest ecological and energy saving materials being incorporated in the construction of new houses, the restoration of existing cottages and buildings, including that of a 19th century mill into a 50-seater restaurant, a hotel, petrol station, shops, café and bars.

• zero-carbon

Geothermal heat pumps will provide heat the houses in winter, and cool them in summer. External walls have 50mm insulation board for thermal protection; auto-ventilated roof tiles allow around 30% dissipation of heat transfer. Hydrostatic water from the mill provides power for low-level street lighting. Total expected direct savings of energy consumption are expected to be up to 80%; savings from insulation and natural light will offset much of the 20% difference.

• zero-waste

Waste recycling of paper, metals, plastic and card will be undertaken, and homeowners will receive a guide of products for cleaning, washing and treating the property. Green waste will be composted centrally and reused to benefit soils in the orchards and gardens. Where possible all building materials will be recycled including general waste materials.

• sustainable water

Grey water will be cleaned and reused to water the green areas of the site, reducing water usage by 80%. Air-flow taps low flush toilets will be installed. Rainwater will be harvested from roofs of properties.

• local and sustainable building materials

Floors will be laid from locally manufactured terracotta tiling; locally sourced stone will be utilised for feature walls. Feature pergolas will be made from locally sourced and certified sustainable forests where possible. Local labour is used.

• sustainable transport

Motor vehicles are permitted onsite; most homes have off-road parking. Biofuels will be used to drive the motors of any site vehicles and machinery. Solar will be used to power the local transport vehicles on the estate and to transport residents to and from the local town. Solar power outlets will provide recharging units for any public personal mobility vehicles free of charge.

Local developer Familia Cuenca is building 828 properties in the first eco-development in the region. The large site of 308,000m² will encompass 26,000m² of planted and managed flora. Innovations include dual orientation to facilitate natural air cross flow; positive grey water recycling and water reduction programme.

• zero-carbon

Dual orientation facilitates energy efficiency through cross-ventilation, direct sunlight – large windows are a feature – and favourable thermal conditions – half metre thick walls. Houses are well-insulated and solar panels heat water; showers and bath tubs have thermostatic taps.

• zero-waste

Individual kitchens have separated bins for waste management and recycling; centralised points for recycling of communal waste and compost points for organic waste. Centralised underground system for waste collection.

• sustainable water

Grey water and communal rainwater are recycled for irrigation purposes. Taps use air-flow system; toilet cistern system has reduced water flow; a water leakage detection system prevent unnecessary water loss.

• local and sustainable building materials

Building materials, equipment and labour are locally sourced; technical construction and design draws on local knowledge to guide orientation, insulation and air-flow. All house construction follows the principles of ‘healthy houses’, using non-toxic paint and natural building materials.

• sustainable transport

Services and commercial areas are easily accessed on foot; bicycle lanes surround the community; pavements and park areas with lots of trees are provided to encourage walking rather than car use.