The world’s first 100% solar powered 5-star resort proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand

It is called ‘the Finolhu Villas’ and is located in the Maldives

It is called ‘the Finolhu Villas’ and it is located in the Maldives

Designed by the New York based firm Yuji Yamazaki Architecture (YYA), Finolhu Villas on Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, is the world’s first 5-star resort to be powered completely by solar energy. The heavenly resort, set on a 13-acre island, is an example of how energy independence can be achieved even in a challenging environment for development. The Maldives are extremely sensitive to the effects of rising sea levels, having the lowest average ground level in the world. Finolhu Villas has achieved both carbon neutrality and having as little impact as possible on the pristine environment that surrounds it, with its landscaping being designed to minimize erosion.

The resort's solar panels are treated as a design feature and generate around 1 MW of energy per day – more than is needed to power the entire resort. Excess energy is stored to be used on cloudy days. The central jetty houses 52 villas, each equipped with a private beach and a private pool, which branch off towards the water much like vertebrae from a spine. There is also a central restaurant, a bar and pool area, and an on-site spa and gym. Among the sustainable features are also a desalination tank that yields a self-sufficient water supply and an onsite waste management system.

“This project was an architect’s dream come true” said Yamazaki. “The chance to imagine a resort in this gorgeous setting and to experiment to meet the challenge of energy independence has been an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Source: Inhabitat