Minthis Hills is an extraordinary resort located near Paphos in the south-west of Cyprus, committed to preserving the rich history and natural beauty of the area. The masterplan creates a harmonious balance between contemporary design and the environment by carefully integrating the development into the landscape to preserve and enhance the natural features, minimise site intervention and maximise views. The private residences have a passive solar design responding to both climate and site, and have been carefully nestled along the natural contours of the land to protect the hilltops and ridges. Onsite amenities include restaurants, spa and leisure facilities nature trails, vineyards and olive groves, which will be harvested and where homeowners can have their own label bottles.

• zero-carbon

The villas have been optimumly orientated for passive solar gain in winter and designed with roof overhangs and timber louvers to reduce solar gain in the hot summer months. Low e-glazing is installed in all villas to repel UV rays and to prevent overheating. Thermal efficiency is ensured through thick walls, using local Limassol stone and foam insulation. Additional energy reduction practices include LED lighting in the villas and some common areas. The initiatives are returning u-values of: roof= 0.85w/m2k, glass=3.8w/m2k, walls0.85w/m2k. Energy from renewable sources includes optional underfloor heating from air to water heat pumps. Hot water is provided by low profile (almost flat) solar panels sited on rooftops. Unavoidably emitted CO2 during construction and once the resort is operational is being offset through a local carbon sequestration programme, which will see the planting of 30,000 indigenous trees and 100,000 drought tolerant plants at the resort.

• zero-waste

Building waste during the construction phase is being kept to a minimum through a planned cut/fill sectional approach rather than traditional ‘raze and build’. Unavoidably generated waste will be reused and recycled where possible. Once operational, organic waste will be composted and reused on gardens and green spaces. Waste reduction and recycling initiatives will be introduced when the first villas are finished and owners move in.

• sustainable water

Water conservation is practised through the installation of low flush mechanisms on toilets and air-flow taps. Grey water from domestic sources is recycled for irrigation purposes. Rainwater is harvested in a reservoir for use on the golf courses and green areas. Natural landscaping has been undertaken to enhance sustainable and practical rainwater run-off.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local Limassol stone will be used on the villas’ exterior. Aggregate used in the villas’ construction will be from local sources, and 40 per cent Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) will be used in the newly constructed roads on the resort. The steel for the reinforced bars used in the villas’ construction is from a recycled source. Contractors, who are exclusively local, must work on designated paths to avoid trampling flora, and earth will only be moved where essential and will be reused onsite so no displacement.

• sustainable transport

Traffic calming measures have been introduced to slow vehicle speeds. Dedicated footpaths and bicycle paths have been built to encourage owners and guests not to use cars onsite. A Centralised system for bicycles and golf buggies will be operational when the first residents move in. An airport shuttle service is planned once 30 per cent of the villas are constructed.

Charming watermill located in a Unesco nature reserve, with a hectare of oasis gardens with fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, sea views and an olive grove and 15 kilometres of National Park behind the property. Set 10 kms from a variety of quiet beaches, Carboneras and Sorbas market towns are close by. The watermill has been converted into a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home incorporating many original features and eco-initiatives. Fabulous Moorish renovation with arches, marble floors, wooden beams and floors, castile doors, intricate mosaics and Moroccan patios. The house has potential to be converted into eco-tourist apartments or a visitor attraction or retreat centre.

• zero-carbon

The house was designed specifically to offset carbon used during construction, which is achieved through the use of hemp in the building, and as a method of capture and ongoing use of solar power. Eighty-five per cent of required power is produced onsite. Wood burners heat the house with a system of ducting distributing the warm air around the house; small gas heaters are a back up heat source and there is a back generator to supplement the solar power generated. Sixty per cent of the wood required for heating is rotationally coppiced from onsite olive trees. Additional offsetting has been achieved through the planting of 20 endemic trees and numerous insect-attracting shrubs.

• zero-waste

Organic waste is composted and reused to mulch the vegetable garden. Various construction materials and products have been reused to build the house. An eco-information pack for the property and surroundings is provided for house visitors.

• sustainable water

Rainwater is captured on the roof and harvested into a purpose-built water tank/dip pool, which is also utilised to irrigate the gardens. Three roofs have been planted with indigenous plants. An ozone and solar-powered fountain are used to clean the water. Low-flush are installed and all grey water is recycled for irrigation. Many ground surfaces have been left breathable to enable better water absorption. Two impermeable cesspits have been built to protect water courses.

• local and sustainable building materials

Stone used has been sourced from the riverbed infront of the house. Locally quarried yeso was used for plastering and natively produced straw was used under the floors as an insulant. Natural pigments used were sourced on the land belonging to the property. Seventy-five per cent of the timber used in construction was reclaimed, all windows and doors were reclaimed as was 70 per cent of glass. All other materials were sourced locally and all labour was from the immediate area.

• sustainable transport

Bicycles are provided for guests’ use, for example, when the property is rented. Car sharing is encouraged and is sometimes applied.

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.