MINIMAL IMPACT DESIGN

Sensitive Building Design

GKI Revitalisation Plan seeks to locate tourism accommodation in a manner that is sensitive to the natural topography of the Island.

Buildings and paths will be located away from sensitive environments instead using areas of the Island already significantly disturbed by past grazing activities and former development. They will be clustered to allow significant vegetation buffers and height restrictions will apply to ensure they predominately fit below tree canopies.

The Resort will embrace best practice in Environmentally Sustainable Design principles and guidelines for facilities including:

  • Appropriate site orientation to maximise natural ventilation and light to therefore reduce reliance on air conditioning and artificial lighting;
  • Passive design attributes such as exterior shading and good-performing façade and glazing elements;
  • Use of ‘whole of life’ building materials which reflect the natural character of the Island and minimise environmental impacts;
  • High-performance building services systems and resource-conserving systems for energy, water and waste; and
  • Use of the latest technology in solar hot water systems; installation of natural gas cooking facilities in resort villas; installation of motion sensors and energy efficient lighting; and fully insulated villas.

Certified Sustainable Design

GKI Resort will be the first GBR Island resort to subject its minimal impact design approach to the scrutiny of the EarthCheck third-party certification process. This process is underpinned by $260M in research and development by the Commonwealth funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC). This includes having an accredited EarthCheck architect involved throughout the design process as well as submitting to a comprehensive audit to ensure the design meets and exceeds international guidelines for Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).

Considerate Development:

The Resort development will be significantly set back from the Leeke’s Beach wetland area to ensure that it is not impacted upon. The GKI Revitalisation Plan will not involve the loss of any wetlands. Best practice management plans as well as significant buffers will contribute to ensuring no impact upon the wetland function, habitat value or biodiversity of the estuarine wetland areas.