Pulse Legacy Archive January / February 2011 | Seite 29

DESIGN VISION:

Eco-sensitive
Rain Forest
Retreat
DESIGN FIRM: ROBERT D. HENRY ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECT: ROBERT D. HENRY
WEB SITE: RDH-ARCHITECTS.COM
ADDRESS: 37 EAST 18TH STREET, 10TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA

A

s Eco tourism gains momentum, destination spas will focus on superlative
natural sites that utilize the surrounding natural settings. We imagine our
Costa Rican Eco retreat, featuring lush greenery and waterfalls, to offer
guided rainforest tours, nature trails for hiking and skyways overlooking the rainforest
canopy.
Programs for the preservation of rainforest flora and fauna and reforestation are put
into place with total immersion in the local culture and environment. The spa of the
future utilizes passive and active solar design on sun-screened facades. Hybrid MEP
systems are integrated with a green roof for water retention and “grey water” building
use from the rainforest.
The theme of future spas will be rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit with a
special emphasis on anti-aging. Spa treatments are based on local resources such as
volcanic mud, herbs from the rainforest and use of the bio-reserve’s waterfalls for
turbine-energy-generating electricity. The spa will integrate indigenous treatments and
knowledge provided by local healers within a sustainable environment. All-inclusive
packages are tailored to three or five days with special time allocation for nutrition and
wellness classes to teach how to integrate the retreat lifestyle into daily life. ■

January/February 2011

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PULSE 27