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(CNN) — Many architects would kill to get a clean slate on which to realize their dream project.
His approach was to build in a way that emphasizes the natural beauty of the island and uses as few natural resources as possible.
“The real concept is how we can show this existing beautiful nature, which means pristine, white beach and crystal clear water,” explains Yamazaki. “Those are the elements we wanted to keep.”
First on the priority list: clean energy.
While solar power is becoming more and more common in the Maldives, Yamazaki didn’t like that so many hotels and resorts tried to hide the panels behind buildings as if they were something outrageous or ugly.
Instead, he and his team designed their own panels and incorporated them into the resort’s overall aesthetic. Today, Kudadoo is still the only private solar-powered island in the country.
“We decided to design one large public building with a solar-powered roof,” says Yamazaki. “In terms of power calculation, that was enough scale images to cover or supply the electricity all over the island.”
An aerial view of the Kudadoo Resort.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Besides creating something beautiful and useful, Yamazaki had another goal in mind with his solar panels: education.
“When you go to the Maldives, you usually arrive by seaplane or boat, so the first impression of the resort is always a roof or building from far away,” he explains. “Instead of hiding it, we showed that we made it a main character of the island so that people (see when they) arrive.”
That juxtaposition is exactly what Yamazaki wanted to achieve. Travelers to the Maldives may come for luxury and a beautiful environment, but the architect hopes they will also leave with a sense of responsibility for the islands.
According to him, sustainability is not an add-on that you hide behind a building out of sight. Instead, it is a beautiful design element placed in the most obvious position.
A Sinking Nation
The low-lying islands of the Maldives are at serious risk from climate change.
According to predictions made by NASA in conjunction with the United States Geographical Survey, the entire country could be completely submerged by the year 2050.
He said: “Our islands are slowly being flooded by the sea one by one. If we don’t reverse this trend, the Maldives will cease to exist by the end of this century.”
One of Kudadoo’s 15 villas.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Yamazaki also sounds the alarm.
“The concern is really becoming more visible and louder. The sea is rising much faster than scientists predicted. The people of the Maldives are very concerned. We have walked on the new resorts and are making sure that a lot of research is being done on erosion and coastline protection .”
But the architect tries to be even more proactive in his approach.
“As an architect, we are there to build a new environment,” he says. “We make sure to show what’s happening underwater, not just sea level rise, but what’s happening with sea temperature, why the coral is dying or why fish migration is different this year… we’re happy to bring attention there too.” in front of.”
A stretch of that famous white sand at Kudadoo.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
As more and more travelers learn about sustainability and specifically seek out properties that rely on natural fuels and energy sources, the architect believes brands and destinations will follow.
“I think a lot of developers, architects, investors … are becoming more and more aware of why people come here – beyond the usual five-star hotels. What are the best points? The water, the weather, the wind, the view I think this are the elements that are important instead of building the nice big pool and bar lounge I think many investors are not only doing that but are trying to allocate some of the profits to a local community to clean up the surroundings.”
Private plunge pools, world-class wine lists and doing something good for the environment at the same time? utilities That sounds like luxury.
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