Manta Ray-Inspired Saffire Resort Restores a Tasmanian Site To Its Previous Glory

A new resort on the Great Oyster Bay in Tasmania does more than just offer an exquisite luxurious retreat. The new <a href="http://www.saffire-freycinet.com.au/" target="_blank">Saffire Resort</a>, designed by Tasmanian-based <a href="http://www.circaarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Circa Architecture</a> (formerly Morris Nunn and Associates), actually restores a previously scarred site by replenishing vegetation and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/rainwater-collection">collecting rainwater</a> for use on the property. Spotted over at <a href="http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/13533/circa-architecture-saffire.html" target="_blank">Designboom</a>, the resort is inspired by the surrounding waves and sandy beaches -- the main building takes the form of a flying manta ray, while smaller buildings offer private suites with intimate views of the vegetation, the bay and the Hazard mountains in the distance.

The site of the Saffire Resort was once a disused caravan park, so considerable time was spent rejuvenating the landscape and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-largest-landfill-transformed-into-freshkills-park-3x-the-size-of-central-park/" target="_self">restoring natural ecosystems</a> where possible.

With the help of landscape architects <a href="http://www.inspiringplace.com.au/">Inspiring Place</a>, the buildings were located to retain all of the existing vegetation and trees.

Protection zones were also established during the construction period, and extensive re-planting was undertaken as part of the landscape design.

Additionally, the resort maintains an active bushfire management program and an ongoing landscape projection program.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/urban-field-piezoelectric-trees-harvest-rainwater-and-generate-energy/">Rainwater</a> is collected both on-site and off for use in the resort and the local township, easing constraints in the drought-affected area.

Energy-efficient design also plays into the strategy -- all buildings are well insulated and have high performance glazing as well as efficient water heating, lighting and air conditioning systems.

The resort is composed of a main building (with reception, dining, a lounge and a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/historic-ferryboat-renovated-into-a-floating-spa/">spa</a>) surrounded by a row of private rooms designed to maximize privacy and natural light.

All the spaces afford spectacular views of the Great Oyster Bay, which was the main inspiration for the resort -- the project's form evokes memories of coastal land forms, dunes, waves and sea creatures.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/award-winning-tasmanian-addition-takes-advantage-of-rain-and-sun/" target="_blank">Tasmanian </a>products, designers and materials were used wherever possible to create a unique, locally-designed sanctuary.

The Spa Lounge.

A deluxe suite.

The interior of a Premium Suite.

The resort minimizes its use of night lighting to help provide an environment similar to what it might have looked like before development.