Zagora Net Zero Vista Eco Village Master Plan
IBI Group was commissioned to design a master plan for the first Net Zero resort in Montenegro.
Client
Illyria Development Group D.O.O.Location
Zagora, Montenegro
Designing a Net Zero resort community on the hills of Montenegro
Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Zagora Net Zero Vista Eco Village is an integrated resort organized around a central clubhouse with 50 residential villas positioned on the hillside overlooking the sea. The development is envisioned to be the first Net Zero resort in Montenegro, prioritizing wellbeing, agriculture and placemaking. Elements addressed concerning sustainability and resiliency include energy, water, food, materials, mobility, e-mobility, smart cities and the careful consideration and integration of the local natural and cultural environment. The resort is located near the Bay of Kotor, which is considered to be one of the most notable bays in the world for its exceptional cultural and natural features. To celebrate its significance, the region has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1979.
Inspired by the mountains, sea, and vineyards, the Zagora Net Zero Vista Eco Village master plan integrates local natural and cultural elements to preserve the site’s heritage and maintain a strong sense of place. Aiming to be a Net Zero energy village, the design utilizes Passivhouse Plus principles to reduce energy demand while providing all required power by solar.
Water efficient landscape design is implemented through rainwater capture, retention, storage, and reuse, as well as the reuse and recycling of grey water on the site. The design utilizes local and sustainable materials with low embodied carbon to reduce the upfront carbon footprint of the village. Mobility and connectivity are addressed by creating a walkable and bike-friendly environment, as well as using electric golf carts and e-scooters for on-site travel and offsite parking.
A decentralized microgrid, energy, gray water reuse and storage is envisioned to be integrated with IBI’s Smart City Platform. Zagora Net Zero Vista Eco Village is the future of hospitality. Strategies for producing its own energy, growing its own food, and collecting and reusing its own water will reduce its dependency on municipal infrastructure and address resiliency to climate change.
