The hurdles of creating a sustainable resort in the world's lowest-lying nation

Numerous architects would jump at the chance to have a blank canvas to bring their vision to life.

When acclaimed architect Yuji Yamazaki took on the challenge of designing the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, which opened in 2018 and features only 15 exclusive overwater villas, he realized the importance of making the building complement the island rather than dominate it.

His strategy was to craft a design that would celebrate the island’s inherent beauty while minimizing the consumption of natural resources.

'The core concept is to highlight the existing natural splendor – the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters,' Yamazaki shares. 'These are the elements we wanted to preserve.'

Top of the agenda: renewable energy.

Although solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in the Maldives, Yamazaki was frustrated by how many resorts attempted to conceal the panels, as if they were something to be ashamed of or considered unattractive.

Instead, he and his team developed custom panels that seamlessly integrated into the resort’s design. Today, Kudadoo stands as the only private island in the country entirely powered by solar energy.

'We opted to create a single large public structure with a solar-powered roof,' says Yamazaki. 'This scale of the roof was enough to generate the electricity needed to power the entire island.'

Beyond designing something functional and aesthetically pleasing, Yamazaki had another important goal for the solar panels – to educate.

'When you arrive in the Maldives, typically by seaplane or boat, your first sight of the resort is always the roof or building from a distance,' he says. 'Rather than concealing it, we made it a prominent feature so that visitors see it as soon as they arrive.'

This contrast is exactly what Yamazaki aimed for. While travelers come to the Maldives for luxury and breathtaking landscapes, the architect hopes they will also depart with a greater sense of responsibility for preserving the islands.

For Yamazaki, sustainability isn’t a hidden extra tucked behind a structure; it's an integral part of the design, prominently showcased in the most visible spot.

A nation sinking beneath the waves

The Maldives' low-lying islands face a grave threat from the effects of climate change.

NASA, in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey, has predicted that the entire nation could be submerged by 2050.

In a speech at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih spoke out about these alarming threats.

He stated, 'Our islands are gradually being engulfed by the ocean, one by one. If we do not change course, the Maldives will no longer exist by the end of this century.'

Yamazaki is also raising awareness about the situation.

'The issue is becoming more urgent and undeniable. The sea level is rising much faster than scientists had anticipated. The people of the Maldives are extremely worried. We've been walking around new resorts to ensure extensive research is done on erosion and shoreline protection,' he explains.

However, the architect is taking an even more proactive stance in his efforts.

'As architects, our role is to create a new environment,' he says. 'We ensure that we highlight what’s happening beneath the surface, not just the rising sea levels, but also the changes in sea temperature, why the corals are dying, and why fish migration patterns are shifting... we aim to draw attention to all of this as well.'

As more travelers seek out eco-friendly properties that rely on natural energy sources, the architect believes that brands and destinations will inevitably follow suit.

'I believe many developers, architects, and investors are becoming more mindful of what draws people here – beyond just luxurious five-star accommodations. It’s about the water, the weather, the breeze, the view. These are the key elements that matter. Instead of focusing solely on a grand swimming pool or a bar lounge, many investors are now also directing profits to local communities for environmental cleanup efforts,' he says.

Private plunge pools, top-tier wine selections, and contributing to environmental good? Now that’s the definition of true luxury.