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The Ngaro Resort is tucked away on a beautiful Island just of the shores of Queensland, Australia. The Clients  Wayne and Laureth Rumble have been looking for a way to further develop their sustainably developed resort into a larger commercial hospitality environment. The original area is located on the southern end of Long Island which comprises 10 exclusive oceanfront villas across three hectares. The total space comprises 7.98 acres with 260 meters of coral sea oceanfront and is surrounded by national parkland and ancient rainforest. Luxury villas feature 4.5-meter vaulted ceilings and private beachfront balconies. The Great house building further developed in this project included multiple lounge and dining areas, a licensed restaurant, and a bar supported by a commercial kitchen. Included in the original site was a 400,000 liter capacity in groundwater for irrigation and pool, and a bio-cycle waste system with a backup generator to sustain all operations.

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The design further explored innovatively, holistically focused, and pioneering approaches to food to apply to this setting. A major concern for this client is to provide luxury with sustainability and enlarge the building space to accommodate more patrons.  To adapt to the tropical climate the building has considered the angle of the tiled roof, created a long overhang, made it well ventilated, and considered the correct direction of the building. This design has also considered how restauranteurs are redefining hospitality and dining experiences amongst the changing global realities facing society today. The main vision of the complex is directed toward healthy living mentally and physically. Key items addressed in the interior space were: 

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• The culinary idea

• The cultural background of the cuisine

• Food philosophy

• The venue type and location

• Social media presence and branding image

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As a tropical building, thermal comfort needed to be considered. Therefore, there is a use of a sunshade, cavity walls, light shelves, overhangs, roof, and wall insulation. There are shading palm trees placed around the building to further reduce sun exposure. Considered in the interior building were maximizing cross air ventilation, providing natural lighting, louvers, and using natural materials. The roof is a double-thick roof made of precast curved cement concrete tiles. This style of structure keeps the roof and top floor the same temperature as bottom floors. It is reflective, insulated, and ventilated. The roof slopes down toward the breeze. On all windows, I have placed large operable horizontal louvers that both protect from the sunlight, wind, and rain allowing natural ventilation. These Louvre windows also have an overhang to provide more shade and they are made from a fiber-reinforced hybrid material that is natural and sustainable. The timber-looking louver by Solinear is 60% rise husks, 22% common salt, and 18% mineral oil.  This control of sunlight allows rooms to remain cool during the day. At the back of the building, you can find natural pools which provide cool areas that are surrounded by trees and grass. Around the perimeter of the resort, I have placed a high wall so that guests feel safe and it keeps the heat down. 

 

Originally I had chosen to use rammed earth for the wall construction due to its longevity, but for tropical climates, it is not preferred because it has a high mass construction which will hold too much heat and cause thermal discomfort. Due to the Islands' cyclone history, I chose wall materials based on their strength and weight. I also considered their durability due to the high humidity and temperature in the area.  The walls are now made up of compressed earth blocks and stabilized with a cementing agent of fly ash to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These walls are made up of mud and cement lime which has a long history in Africa. These blocks have a low moisture content and they are fast to construct, with minimum use of cement. These walls are reinforced with concrete columns to provide stability.  Steel is used sparingly and is a recycled source to reduce embodied energy. The thickness of the interior walls is thinner in some areas due to the humid environment. 

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The tinted glass featured on doorways and windows reduces the amount of heat transmitted through and it has been treated to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted. Due to the natural lighting, there is no need for lighting during the day unless in task areas away from windows. Light colors are used on floors, walls, and surfaces to maximize the light reflection of light sources. To make use of the sun there is a shaded, vented and glazed skylight on level one above the restaurant to make more use of the natural light. On the Northside of the building, I have placed large windows with light shelves which deflect the light onto the ceiling helping to soften and diffuse the light. At the front of the building, a rain garden has been installed to retain runoff from the site along with a rainwater tank as it is mandatory in Queensland. A breathing wall is installed on level one in the lookout area to facilitate plant-based air improvements. This wall draws air through a porous wall covered with mosses and ferns which removes indoor air pollutants. To maintain a pollutant-free environment, low VOC flooring products are used on the floor as are natural oils and they are water-based. All carpets are 100% wool. 

 

The local native plants of the Island have been used in garden areas to restore habitat and minimize the impact on the habitat. These gardens aim to attract native wildlife and be low maintenance. A community garden will be set up to grow local food and plants which will add color and activity to the site. The local plants chosen are indigenous to the area are these are well suited to the climate, water, and soils. The landscaping is designed to slow water movement and encourage filtration through the soil rather than drains. 

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Some important issues to consider were to incorporate breezes through the building for cooling effects. Choosing a lightweight material that didn't retain the heat was important, and providing shading to keep the sun away from the walls of the building. Gutters and plumbing needed to consider the building's proximity to the Island shore. And the careful selection of materials that can deteriorate in such climates. The building needs to be ventilated naturally to prevent mold. Glasswool has been used as insulation because the building is air-conditioned. It is consisting of Pink Batts Blanket R1.9 faced with a fire retardant, and a vapor barrier supported internally by supporting mesh. The sustainable materials used in construction are renewable, energy-efficient, nonpolluting, manufactured correctly, are durable and low maintenance. All wood used in the construction beams and detailing is recycled Australian timbers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and plantation timbers with certification. The steel used in the construction is used sparingly and comes from recycled sources to reduce the embodied energy of the building. 

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This project explores sustainable design in a previous disaster zone area. After Cyclone Debbie struck the Island it has become essential to develop a more robust and durable building structure than the previous one. The bottom level features a relaxing cafe inspired by the blue sea water with organic produce grown straight from the Island. As you take the lifts from reception upstairs you are greeted by the Restaurant reception where you are guided to your seating. The interior is very structured and the walls reach up 6 meters from the floor creating a very spacious feeling. The warm timbers were selected to create a more cozy feeling where you are safe and protected. Local plants of grass trees, coastal she-oak, and native hibiscus are found in most settings to develop a natural environment inside. The color palette is based on the rugged green-clad islands, blue waters, and white sands which are found in most of the finished selections. You can find a minimal scheme to the overall building working to streamline the rooms and generate a clean and peaceful dining experience that reflects light and keeps everyone cool in the tropical sun. 

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