Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow

In conjunction with Earth Day 2023, we have reinforced our advocacy for a greener future and to find solutions for designing landmarks with low environmental footprints.

As the world celebrates Earth Day on 22 April 2023, we have reinforced our advocacy of designing with sustainability in mind. For over 70 years, we have stood at the forefront of sustainable architecture—from reducing carbon emissions via renovations to designing energy-efficient buildings. We have set an ambitious goal for all projects to have an accredited team member onboard by 2024. By 2025, we hope to receive accreditation for at least 50 percent of our team.

A pioneer of sustainable design, we are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic and eco-conscious architectural projects, including the Fari Islands in the Maldives, and the Hann Lux Resort Banyan Tree and Angsana in the Philippines.

“As architects, we serve as agents of change in addressing the global climate crisis. The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, and this needs to change. At WATG, we believe that every project we undertake must respect the local environment and have a positive impact on its surrounding communities,” said Chiara Calufetti-Lim, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Principal of Architecture at WATG. “We are proud to champion sustainable design and will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to creating a purposeful built environment.”

Fari Islands, Maldives

In supporting a collective ‘Four Islands, One Destination’ vision, Fari Islands offers an elevated Maldivian resort experience on an island archipelago in North Male Atoll. Its design features innovative technologies such as solar panels and a water treatment system that recycles wastewater. The resort also boasts a coral regeneration program and biophilic architecture that support cross ventilation and natural wave movements, which help to minimize adverse impacts on the surrounding marine ecosystem. The Fari Islands project has won several awards, including the 2021 Green Good Design Awards and the 2021 AHEAD Asia Award for Eco-Friendly Hotel of the Year. The master planning project was led by Chiara and Marcel Padmos, Vice President of Planning, and conceptualized with sustainability at its core for a truly unique guest experience across a pristine landscape.

Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort, Banyan Tree and Angsana, Philippines

This is an ambitious ‘luxury playground’ and expansive eco-resort that showcases our integrated design services and commitment to sustainable tourism in the northern Philippines. The resort’s landscape is designed as a biodiverse space that celebrates local agricultural practices. WATG’s interior design firm, Wimberly Interiors was also involved in designing the wellness-orientated 56-key Banyan Tree and family favorite 200-key Angsana. Other green design features include a water management strategy and rainwater harvesting system.

“Identifying existing real estate to be renovated, converted for new use, and fitted with new tech and systems is now mandatory.  Sustainability can no longer be an afterthought and must remain at the forefront of our approach to architecture. Our work can have an immense influence on the environment, so we dutifully develop sustainable solutions, integrate them into our design process and always stay sensitive to the site and its connection to the Earth.” concludes Chiara.

To commemorate Earth Day 2023, we have launched an episode of The Drawing Board podcast titled ‘Beyond Greenwashing’.

In this episode, Monita and Chiara discuss the issue of how we satisfy an innate human need with the challenges and pressures already felt by the environment. The nature of human beings is the need to build, grow, and change, to find new landscapes and terrain on which to call our own. The desire for legacy, for impact, is huge. What kind of architectural styles and techniques can help not hinder our planet? And what can we learn from the intelligence of nature?

To listen to our podcast, including Chiara’s episode, ‘Beyond Greenwashing’, search ‘The Drawing Board’ on your preferred podcast app.