(CNN) — Many architects would kill to be given a clean slate on which to create their dream challenge.

His strategy was to construct in a manner that highlights the island’s pure magnificence whereas utilizing up as few pure assets as attainable.

“The actual idea is, how we are able to showcase this current stunning nature, which means pristine, white seashore and crystal clear water,” Yamazaki explains. “These are the weather that we wished to protect.”

First on the precedence listing: clear power.

Whereas solar energy is changing into extra widespread within the Maldives, Yamazaki did not like how so many lodges and resorts tried to cover the panels behind buildings as in the event that they had been one thing shameful or ugly.

As a substitute, he and his workforce designed their very own panels and included them within the general aesthetic of the resort. As we speak, Kudadoo stays the one totally solar-powered personal island within the nation.

“We determined to only design one massive public constructing with the solar energy roof,” Yamazaki says. “By way of calculation of the ability, that was sufficient scale footage to cowl or provide the electrical energy all through the island.”

An aerial view of the Kudadoo Resort.

Kudadoo Maldives Non-public Island

Along with creating one thing stunning and helpful, Yamazaki had one other purpose in thoughts for his photo voltaic panels — schooling.

“While you go to Maldives, you usually arrive with sea airplane or a ship, so the primary impression of the resort is at all times a roof or constructing from far-off,” he explains. “As a substitute of hiding it, we confirmed that we made it a fundamental character of the island so that individuals (see it once they) arrive.”

That juxtaposition is strictly what Yamazaki wished to attain. Vacationers to the Maldives could also be coming for luxurious and delightful environment, however the architect hopes they will even depart with a way of accountability to look after the islands.

In his view, sustainability is not an add-on that you simply stash behind a constructing out of sight. As a substitute, it is a good looking design component positioned in the obvious place attainable.

A sinking nation

The low-lying islands of the Maldives are at severe danger from local weather change.

In accordance with forecasts from NASA in coordination with the USA Geographical Survey, the whole nation could possibly be totally underwater by the yr 2050.

He mentioned: “Our islands are slowly being inundated by the ocean, one after the other. If we don’t reverse this pattern, the Maldives will stop to exist by the tip of this century.”

One in all Kudadoo’s 15 villas.

Kudadoo Maldives Non-public Island

Yamazaki additionally sounds the alarm.

“The priority is admittedly changing into extra seen and loud. Sea is rising a lot sooner than scientists predicted. The individuals in Maldives are very involved. We have been strolling on the brand new resorts and ensure there’s loads of examine carried out on erosion and shoreline safety.”

However the architect is making an attempt to be much more proactive in his strategy.

“As an architect, we’re there to construct a brand new atmosphere,” he says. “We be sure that we showcase what is going on on below the water, not solely sea stage rising, however what’s occurring on the ocean temperature, why the coral is dying or why the fish migration is completely different this yr…we additionally prefer to convey individuals’s consideration to that as properly.”

A stretch of that well-known white sand at Kudadoo.

Kudadoo Maldives Non-public Island

As increasingly vacationers study sustainability and particularly hunt down properties which can be reliant on pure fuels and energy sources, the architect believes manufacturers and locations will comply with.

“I feel loads of builders, architects, buyers … have gotten extra aware of why individuals come right here — past the standard 5 star lodge lodging. What are the perfect factors? The water, the climate, the breeze, the view. I feel these are the weather which can be essential. As a substitute of constructing the enjoyable huge swimming pool and the bar lounge, I feel lot of buyers are usually not solely doing that but additionally, making an attempt to allocate a few of the income to a local people to scrub the atmosphere.”

Non-public plunge swimming pools, world-class wine lists and doing one thing good for the atmosphere on the similar time? Now that seems like luxurious.