Concordia’s Innovative Eco-Studios Ready for Winter Vacations

St. John, Virgin Islands, March 02, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The newly completed studios at eco-resort Estate Concordia Preserve, located on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, are the next phase of innovations tested over 35 years of exploring green development. Environmentally friendly design, recycled and durable building materials and Green operations developed at Maho Bay Camps and Harmony Studios provided the background.

The lessons learned on this path towards sustainability has helped owner Stanley Selengut to develop the new Concordia Eco-Studios opening this month. As Stanley says “These super-insulated and energy efficient units pre-fabricated from foam panels and energized by photo voltaic cells might replace typical concrete construction in the Virgin Islands. This could result in great cost saving and environmental benefits. The hope is to maintain a pleasant interior temperature while also being energy neutral.”

Local St. John architect Glenn Speer designed the Eco-Studios to work closely with the natural setting and environment. Minimal site damage during construction allows native vegetation such as Frangipani and Pipe Organ cactus to nestle close to the units. Walls, floors and roofs constructed of highly insulated SIPS panels, Energy Star rated insulated roofing, and thermal windows keep the heat of the Caribbean sun out and the island breezes passing through. Solar panels use that sunlight to heat water and produce power that is sold back to the local utility company, aiming for net neutral power use. Low flow faucets and toilets require minimal use of critical water resources.

Each unit includes complete bedroom/living room, bathroom, kitchen, and comfortable sized deck allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings of the V.I. National Park and unobstructed ocean views.

Much of the Concordia Eco-Studios’ décor comes from the Maho Bay Recycled Art center. Artists at the center's glass studio have created light fixtures and soap dishes from recycled glass. Bathrooms and kitchens in the new units include counter tops formed with colorful crushed glass mixed with cement and tile backsplashes produced in the clay sudio. The fabric studio contributed items batiked with handcrafted designs.

The Eco-Studios are designed to qualify as Energy Star Rated Homes and are the first buildings to apply for certification by the Island Green Builders Association. They are the first 4 of a planned 15-unit expansion of the resort, offering guests the sustainable qualities of the award winning eco-tents with more comforts.

The site of the new units offers lush vegetation, breathtaking views, a quiet, peaceful setting and cool breezes with convenient access to Concordia's Café, Registration and trail to Salt Pond Bay beach. Photos and descriptions of the Concordia Eco-Studios can be viewed at http://concordiaecostudios.blogspot.com/ or visit www.maho.org for additional information and reservations.

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