Building the Resort
Couran Cove Island Resort was designed by architects who understood and shared the vision of combining the Australian ‘beach and bush’ holiday in a relaxed yet stylish way. Architects used the natural settings of the Couran Cove Island Resort site on South Stradbroke Island to guide their design. The immediate surrounds, whether they were lagoon, surf or forest, were of primary importance.
The style is typically Queensland, adopting a very recognisable school of architecture in Australia today. It is characterised by the use of light, natural materials and an emphasis on climate, the natural environment of the location and a relaxed living style. The style is simple, pure, sustainable and practical and reflects Australian traditions and heritage in architecture. All materials are from sustainable resources with an emphasis on timber and glass. The guiding motto for everyone involved with designing and building the resort was AS NATURE WOULD HAVE IT.
Paint colours were designed and manufactured especially for Couran Cove Island Resort and the palette includes bursts of intense colour against the unified yellow-green background shades of the forest. Interior tones are natural with water-based lime wash used on the walls. Soft furnishings emphasise natural products such as hemp and pure wool and the floor covering is maize matting. All cabins have solar hot water units and the veranda roof reflects light and air across curved ceilings to create a sense of space.
Architecture utilising natural air flows, materials and lighting has contributed to an overall reduction of 85% in greenhouse gas emissions at the resort compared with a similar sized conventional island resort and 75% compared with a typical mainland household.
The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism Australia is "Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. For more details on Ecotourism in Australia, follow the link to the official Ecotourism Australia website.
