Date: 2006 - 2008 Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Size: 29.34 acres (50-room hotel, 160 condominiums, ecological studies lab)
Team: Esmeralda Conceptions, Timbes Architectural Group, Van Tine|Guthrie Studio, Chambers Design, Inc, GFDS, Dr. Patt Manheim and Applied Technology & Management, Inc. 
Peninsula Esmeralda was founded on the principle that green building could restore the biological world.  Located within a fragile ecologically diverse landscape, the design team drew from the native surrounds to create edifices in harmony with the natural world.  The condominiums were designed to use 50% less energy than the standard vacation residence in the area. Green roofs and green walls were integrated into the condos to maximize their effectiveness with stormwater management and energy efficiency.  The overall design strategy eliminated the need for a significant amount of non-renewable energy.  The entire resort could be powered by three low-velocity wind turbines sited at the tip of the peninsula.  The site was found to be home to thousands of snow egrets.  The master plan was envisioned to increase the habitat of the egrets while maximizing the profitability of the resort.  The team found that designing for the snow egrets made good business sense for the development while fostering sustainability with an eye on the future.