Danish engineer Ramboll and BIG Architects have put forward a masterplan for a proposed carbon neutral resort on Zira Island, in the Caspian Sea

The 1,000,000m2 project is intended as a sustainable model for urban development, reflecting the Azerbaijan landscape.

Each of its seven “peaks” of residential development echoes the geometry of one of the country’s mountains. The project aims to create a completely self contained community. Buildings will be heated and cooled by heat pumps connected to the sea. Solar panels integrated into the architecture will provide hot water, while photovoltaics on facades and rooftops will power functions such as swimming pools and aqua parks. Waste water will be treated, processed and recycled for irrigation, with solid waste reused as fertiliser. An offshore wind farm will harvest wind energy while onshore the landscaping has been designed to divert higher winds.

Source

Building Sustainable Design