Silver Reef wins highly-commended Kite Award
“Silver Reef is a fine example of an environmentally well thought out and planned resort. The sustainable water element is so comprehensive it reads like a ‘how to’ guide: water reduction, catchment, conservation, treatment and retention have all been considered and factored into the development masterplan.”
Gordon Miller, founder editor of eco homes website www.whatgreenhome.com
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.