MAIDEN VOYAGE
Eco-Floating Hotel QATAR
Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio has unveiled plans for a floating hotel designed to the core principles of conserving energy and reducing waste. Developed together with the expertise of naval architects and engineers, the 152-key property is set to be based in Qatar, though has no fixed location due to its mobile characteristic. The ocean current will keep the vessel moving, with the upper structure rotating 360 degrees every 24 hours, providing guests with ever-changing views and cruicially generating electrical energy. A system known as vertical axis wind turbine and umbrella (VAWTAU) will also be employed, in which wind currents caused by
the temperature difference between land and sea produce enough energy to power the resort. The centrepiece of the architecture is a vortex glass roof inspired by the surrounding waterscape, designed to whirlpool down to the heart of the 700m2 lobby as a unique visual feature. Its main purpose however is to collect rainwater that can be used both for greywater recycling and as irrigation for the greenery. Clean water will be obtained by purifying seawater, while wastewater will be treated so as not to harm the environment. The Turkish design studio also plans to develop waste separation units in order to turn food waste into fertiliser for the landscaping. The hotel is accessed via a floating pier, boating dock or floating helipad, with a computer-controlled dynamic positioning system utilised to maintain the vessel’s direction, powered by its own propellers and thrusters. Each guestroom comes with a private balcony, while facilities on board include multiple F&B venues, an infinity pool, a beach club, spa and sauna, gym and mini golf course. Although there is no exact date for the opening, feasibility and technical studies are ongoing and it is hoped the venture will be completed by 2025.
