Another successful award winning project for Akela Constructions at the Gold Coast Housing and Construction Awards 2022 Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Management at South Currigee Campgrounds and Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island.
Akela Constructions were awarded by City of Gold Coast to design and construct 11 eco-cabins for South Stradbroke Island at two popular sites –South Currigee Campgrounds and Tipplers.
Made entirely of sand, South Stradbroke island is an iconic feature of Queensland’s coastline. Its sites are ecologically maintained by City of Gold Coast to be nature-driven and virtually untouched. As a popular tourism destination, the project aimed to update accommodation offerings in two key locations with four and six-berth glamping shacks. It was essential for the eco-cabins to enhance the look and feel of the campground and enhance the surrounding ecosystem with minimal impact to the natural landscape. Akela needed to carefully evaluate design and build strategies and develop innovative environmental solutions that were both achievable and practical for an island-based construction.
Akela consulted closely with the client in the design phase to ensure optimal design and positioning of the eco-cabins. This resulted in a private glamping experience for each cabin occupant amongst the lush, shaded treescape whilst capturing the outlook to the Broadwater and its ocean breezes.
The eco-cabins remain unpowered as the carefully positioned windows and sliding doors provide abundant natural light and cross-ventilation.
The overall construction process and finished eco-cabins demonstrate a commitment to environmental preservation and energy efficiency. What was potentially a ‘high risk’ environmental project (given the setting) has resulted in a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional tourism.
The South Currigee Campgrounds and Tipplers accommodation showcase the natural beauty of the Gold Coast without the need for high energy costs, waste generation and abrasive changes to the built and eco environment.
