(Singapore 18 April 2021) Visitors to the Maldives immediately become aware of its precious fragile environment and most guests are sensitive to the need to protect and preserve it. When Pontiac Land of Singapore decided to build a new resort in this pristine paradise, they took every imaginable step to be as sustainable as possible. From zero-waste kitchens and recycling marine plastic is just the beginning of their efforts. 

Sanctuary and Stimulation

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is the inaugural flagship property from the sophisticated new lifestyle brand Patina Hotels & Resorts, the latest hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers 90 contemporary one- to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation. 

The new resort not only used PEFC-certified timber in its construction, but the onsite James Turrell Skyspace is a PEFC Project Certified by Venturer Timberwork of Singapore. Double Helix Tracking Technologies and SourceMap were engaged to verify the timber supply chain for the featured Skyspace, tracking it from the European forest to Indian Ocean island.  

Sustainable Practices

Marco den Ouden, General Manager, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands pointed out, "During the construction of Patina Maldives, energy consumption was reduced by an estimated 12% through sustainable practices such as the use of prefabricated materials, which significantly reduced waste and carbon emissions when compared to conventional construction methods. Locally sourced, biodegradable and reusable materials were used wherever possible; all timber is PEFC-certified and sourced from 100% transparent supply chains.   

As part of Patina Maldives’ commitment towards reliance on renewable energy, plans are in place to expand its Swimsol solar plant to provide 50 percent of the resort’s energy needs by 2030. The resort’s energy-positive ethos is further demonstrated by participation in global carbon sequester programmes that neutralise its carbon output. Future plans include investing in long-term Blue carbon partnerships and a solar-powered transportation fleet.

From addressing waste in its supply chain and boosting the health of its guests, neighbours and the local environment to ensuring energy-positive operations, Patina Maldives is dedicated to making a lasting difference in everything it does.  It has become the first resort in the Maldives with 100 percent solar-powered kids’ club, recreation and dive centres.

Californian icon James Turrell

Inhabiting Skyspace

The resort is delighted to welcome guests to bask in the light-filled installation, Skyspace by renowned artist James Turrell (pictured above). A Turrell Skyspace (below) is a specifically proportioned chamber with an aperture in the ceiling open to the sky allowing guests to immerse themselves in the sensual and spiritual perception of light. The optimal viewing times to experience Turrell’s art are during light sequences such as sunrise and sunset. Skyspace offers a quiet, contemplative space for guests during other times of the day. Turrell states: “My work is more about your seeing than it is about my seeing, although it is a product of my seeing.” 

Skyspace by the Californian icon explores space and the light that inhabits it. It’s a piece that asks its viewers to explore their own perception of form. In the context of our island home, it heightens the senses to the pulse of pure nature. 

Transparent Supply Chains

Patina Maldives Fari Islands positively impacted the resorts’ construction and operational standards through 100 percent transparent supply chains. All the timber used to create the resort’s principal art installation, a Skyspace by James Turrell, can be traced back to sustainably managed forests where the timber was sourced. Check out the latest #Sourcemap produced for Patina Hotels & Resorts that presents the journey of the timber used in #Skyspace, that was sourced from #PEFC certified forests in Europe.  

Venturer Timberwork, established in 1995 by Kevin Hill, has constructed the luxury villas that are both on land and over-water.  Venturer worked together with the architect and developer from the conception of this project in order to optimize this structure for efficient logistics and assembly.  The result of the early engagement is an efficient hybrid structure with durable and elegant detailing.

Dan Gold Photo Left      Mohamed Rizhan Photo Right 

“We have completed over 100 construction projects in markets all over the globe using sustainably sourced timber from forests on every continent,” states Hill.  “From our beginnings building a heavy timber frame at the Singapore Botanic Garden, to the challenge of completing the world-famous deck at Marina Bay Sand's Skypark, Venturer continues to grow from a traditional timber framer and modular decking specialist into a BIM integrated, Mass Timber specialist of today.

The Global Challenges

All drinking water on the island is produced and bottled inhouse with on-island water bottling plant, Nordaq. In addition, every cocktail and spirit served at Patina Maldives, including the Fari Beach Club, will eliminate 30 grams of carbon emissions in comparison to drinks crafted at beverage outlets with conventional labels. This is thanks to the world’s first low carbon, low waste spirits distribution technology. At Patina Maldives you can enjoy your drink and sustainability too!

 “Patina Maldives, Fari Islands,” states GM Marco den Ouden, “is well aware of the global challenges that are affecting the worldwide carbon footprint. Our archipelago at Fari Islands provides us with a scalable opportunity to positively impact our construction, supply chain, operational standards, marine biosphere, and most importantly, community, directly. This has been our driving intent and the main inspiration for Perpetuality, our ethos. It will continue to help us identify targeted and innovative collaborations in the near- and long-term future. We are humbled and impressed with the global knowledge and support that we have received from our partners thus far and remain positive about their perpetual contributions to Patina Maldives now and in times ahead.”

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