Green architecture – Coco Eco Nature Retreat

Coco Eco Bed and Breakfast Nature Retreat, located at Cable Beach, 20km north of the main township of Broome, is a great example of a sustainable building that demonstrates you can holiday both sustainable and comfortable. They offer comfortable and luxurious accommodation amidst an exotic setting. Set in a site that is a remnant of pristine natural habitat at the edge of the ‘pindan’, this building finds a resting place within an existing elevated clearing with strong visual connections to the tidal lagoon and ocean beyond to the west.

Situated on 8 acres right on the coconut well lagoon, besides pristine environment, it also has amazing wildlife surrounding it (180 recorded bird species and various ocean life such as whales, dolphins, dugong, turtles, manta rays and other fish). The project, designed by Paradigm Architects, consists of a series of pavilions stretching along an east-west axis separated by the rich vegetation rendered masonry spine, which is also used to separate and connect the public and more private living pavilions.

A board-walk connects the main gathering area to the accommodation further to the east from the main public areas in order to preserve and existing stand of native trees that serve both as shade and a shield for more intimate spaces. The private, seaside accommodation consists of three types of rooms. The rooms: Desert Rose, Frangipani and Hibiscus each have a distinct character and all are luxuriously appointed with Egyptian cotton linen, queen size beds and bamboo flooring. Each room has an ensuite and private balcony with ocean views.

The pavilions are oriented to enjoy the cooling westerly breezes and enjoy the panoramic views over the adjacent stretch of coast. The building form is a direct response to the climatic conditions and environmental qualities of the site.

Coco Eco is reliant on passive thermal cooling throughout the year and employs the good tropical design principles to achieve this end. Passive thermal design was a key consideration to assist with the energy efficiency of the building project. The roof form, which twists up dramatically from the main pavilions that to the south-west, acts as ‘wind-scoop’ which directs available breezes within the building.

Mains power is unavailable to the site so they were committed to the use of alternative energy production. That’s why Coco Eco is completely self-sufficient for energy, using a state-of-the-art integrated solar power system with a generator back up. Energy consumption was carefully considered with the use of energy efficient appliance, fixtures and fitments.

This retreat also uses a water system that uses constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. The contents of this recycled water acts as a fertilizer for the organic vegetable garden. Together with an organic vegetable garden and orchard, free range chickens, Coco Eco ensures guests holiday in comfort and style with minimal impact on the environment.