For Immediate Release July 2009
Scandinave Spa Whistler: Dip into Whistler’s new “green” spa: a hot concept for a cool resort
WHISTLER, BC, CANADA - Engulfed by spruce and cedar, and etched into the mountain face at Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, Scandinave Spa Whistler takes a uniquely integrated approach in providing its guests with a spa experience of relaxation in the heart of nature. For Scandinave Spa Whistler, preserving this panorama of mountain vistas and valleys is paramount.
Just 1.5 km (1 mile) away from Whistler’s humming Village, this Nordic-style all-season spa is an escape to relaxation. Evidenced at all levels of the 20,000 square foot (1,858 square meter) outdoor spa is a commitment to the environment. From providing re-useable bags and stainless steel water bottles in lieu of plastic, to outfitting staff with uniforms made of sustainable fibres, and the innovative use of green technologies, Scandinave Spa Whistler strives for a sustainable spa, so fundamental to the overall experience.
Brent Murdoch, whose Whistler-based firm Murdoch + Company Architecture (together with Whistler Construction) carried out the spa’s eco-conscious construction, says: “Scandinave Spa Whistler was designed as a unique landscape-derived activity. The entire design was guided by principles of sustainability to harmonize with its setting, and to minimize where possible, its impact on the environment.” No easy task for this outdoor spa consisting of six separate buildings over three acres of forested hillside.
Employed in the construction of this eco-friendly facility are several cutting-edge green technologies, including:
Site and Landscape:
- Vegetated “green” roofs – low slope, grass-covered roof areas efficient for heating and cooling while acting as added insulation.
- Optimized solar access – buildings are oriented to optimize winter sunlight exposure, and clustered in south-facing groups to create a micro-climate enclosure.
- Landscaped plants – use only drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and regionally appropriate landscape plants.
- Soils – protected, saved and reused existing topsoils.
- Heat recovery system – use recuperated heat from the baths and showers to preheat water throughout the spa.
- High efficiency furnace and boilers – use high efficiency natural gas water heater for hot baths, hot water, sidewalks, locker room floors: 96% to 98% efficient that utilizes each natural gas BTU well above the recommended 85%.
- Passive solar heating – position building orientation and use window design and thermal mass to achieve passive solar heating on all major buildings.
- Lighting – use Energy star-certified products, and down-lighting to reduce light pollution.
- Water appliances –use water-saving showerheads and dual flush toilets.
- Irrigation – use water-saving irrigation and controls.
- Dedicated recycling space for collecting and separating all recyclable waste.
- Recycling facilities and recycling program in place throughout the Spa.
For information, please contact:
Jayne Lloyd-Jones
jayne@spectacularink.com
(604) 925-8187
Meaghen Ng
meaghen@spectacularink.com
(604) 925-8187
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