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