Remote Eco-Resort


Desert Resort

The concept for the eco-tourism development on a remote and arid site on the Western Australian coast sought to create individual self-sustaining dwellings capable of thriving in the harsh environmental conditions.

Central to the design is a number of changeable layers to protect and connect the pod, like a sea organism that opens and closes to the conditions.

The outermost layer of the pod consists of nine shutters which peel open along sliders. This operable skin creates maximum flexibility in the control of sunlight and screening of the wind. These shutters also frame sections of the 360 degree view, from the horizon of the ocean to the silhouette of the mountain range. The second layer is a fluid glass facade that weaves between the clustering of furniture, defining three outdoor terraces. The glass opens onto the terraces, each oriented for occupation at different times of day. The final layer of enclosure is created by curtains, providing privacy to the bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe when required.

A number of sustainable water and energy capturing devices are also integrated into the design. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in a bladder located on the underbelly of the structure to keep cool. A closed circuit piping system containing seawater runs through the roof to heat in the sun and the floor to cool down at night. Solar Power is used to heat water for the shower and the kitchenette. The waste is collected and controlled on site. Grey water is filtered and dispersed into the surrounding landscape, and composting toilets are used to reduce and recycle waste. All materials are recyclable and can be easily installed and dismantled, leaving no scar on the landscape if removed from the site.

Location: Cape Range National Park, Exmouth WA, Australia 22°3’51.99″S, 113°58’20.17″E
Date: 2009
Design team: Thierry Lacoste, David Stevenson, Alicia Bayl
Photography / images: Lacoste+Stevenson Architects