6 minute read
The Power of Energy and Space
IN THE REALM OF ECO RESORT DEVELOPMENT, VALENTINA CEREDA, FOUNDER OF ENERGY AND SPACE, IS PIONEERING AN APPROACH THAT GOES BEYOND CONVENTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY. HER MISSION IS TO CREATE SPACES THAT ACTIVELY REGENERATE BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITIES WITHIN THEM.
Grounded in a unique philosophy that blends ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science, Cereda’s work is a testament to the power of thoughtful, place-sensitive design.
For Cereda, the guiding philosophy of Energy and Space is simple yet profound: “Our core philosophy is to improve the wellbeing of people and the Earth by enhancing the health of our physical environments, focusing on regenerative practices.” This mission drives every project they undertake, placing a particular emphasis on cultivating spaces that nurture the land and the communities they serve.
At Energy and Space, “energy” and “space” are not mere concepts but are actively integrated into their projects. Cereda explains, “We incorporate four pillars in architecture and design that contribute to the health of physical environments, combining ancient wisdom—like land energy sciences, sacred geometry, and classical feng shui— with contemporary sciences, including building biology and the mitigation of environmental toxins and electromagnetic fields.” Through this holistic approach, Energy and Space creates environments where energy and space harmonize to promote sustainable hospitality.
Sustainable Design And Architecture
Nature is the ultimate compass for Energy and Space, guiding every design decision. “We only design with natural, organic materials found on the land, which allows us not only to regenerate the environment but also to support local communities involved in the design and construction process,” says Cereda. “Local culture is always the main driver of the design.” By using materials sourced directly from the site, Energy and Space reinforces a sense of place that is both sustainable and deeply connected to the land.
Energy and Space’s projects are rooted in principles that prioritize the health and harmony of their surroundings. By integrating elements of ancient land wisdom with modern scientific knowledge, the firm creates spaces that not only meet eco-friendly standards but also resonate with the spiritual energy of the land.
Latest Projects
One recent project, a confidential eco-resort for Six Senses, exemplifies the innovative approaches that define Energy and Space’s work. “We are using the soil from the site to create natural plaster for the interior walls and ceilings,” Cereda shares. “This breathable material is made by local communities, which not only reduces waste but also connects the community to the project in a meaningful way.” Another source of pride for Cereda is a land energy audit she conducted with indigenous tribes, balancing and cleansing the energy of the land through traditional rituals and ceremonies.
These projects demonstrate how Energy and Space pushes the boundaries of sustainable design to incorporate the cultural and spiritual heritage of each location. Each project reflects Cereda’s commitment to creating high-energy zones that honor the land and those who inhabit it.
Energy Management And Conservation
For Energy and Space, energy management is essential to reducing a resort’s carbon footprint. One area they focus on is water management, filtering wastewater for reuse and saving water through innovative design practices. Plastic reduction also plays a key role in their approach, as they strictly avoid synthetic products, ensuring that the carbon footprint is minimized without compromising the project’s health and sustainability.
“Depending on the project location, we adapt our strategies,” Cereda explains. “In some regions, local regulations limit the use of solar power, so we prioritize alternative conservation methods, such as water and plastic management, and using local natural materials.”
Challenges And Solutions In Sustainable Development
Navigating regional challenges is part of the journey for Energy and Space. For example, in the UAE, solar energy use is limited by local regulations. “We can only use solar power to cover up to 5% of the total power,” Cereda notes. In response, they emphasize water management and natural materials as alternate paths to sustainability. In remote areas, sourcing sustainable materials can also be a challenge. Cereda’s team often uses locally sourced, organic materials like palm leaves to create shading systems or eco-friendly construction materials, adapting traditional methods to modern eco-resort needs.
Collaborations And Community Engagement
The collaboration with local communities is not just an aspect of Energy and Space’s projects; it is foundational to their work. “Every aspect of our designs is inspired by local community and culture,” Cereda says, “so they can take part in both the construction and management of the resort once it’s open.” In many projects, community members contribute to the construction, using traditional techniques to create fabrics and other design elements, embedding their culture into the resort’s identity.
By involving local artisans and materials, Energy and Space ensures that the resorts are not just environmentally sustainable but also culturally resonant, benefiting both the project and the surrounding community.
Future Goals And Vision
Looking to the future, Cereda envisions eco resort design moving towards even more organic and regenerative practices that honor the spirit of the land. Energy and Space’s upcoming project in Africa encapsulates this vision. “This wellness resort, all built with rammed earth and bamboo, will be constructed by local artisans,” she shares. Developed with sacred geometry principles and guided by land energy practices, this resort will be a beacon of high-energy, sustainable development.
Advice For Eco Resort Operators
For those looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their properties, Cereda advises going beyond simple sustainability and focusing on the energetic qualities of the land itself. “The advice is to integrate health into every layer of design, from the landscape to architecture and interiors,” she says. While sustainable materials may be recycled, they often don’t return to the Earth in a healthy way. Cereda emphasizes the need for natural materials that enrich the environment rather than merely reduce waste.
Through her groundbreaking work, Valentina Cereda is reshaping eco resort design, setting a standard for spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Energy and Space stands as a model of how architecture and design can be tools for healing, regeneration, and connection to the land.
Valentina will be joining us in Greece at Eco Resort Network 2025 as a speaker and delegate.
