Dominican Republic Readies for 25-Story Eco-Friendly Vacation Condo Tower

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorJuan Dolio Beach, Dominican Republic–Las Arenas, a 25-story residential tower located in Juan Dolio Beach in the Dominican Republic, has introduced a new eco-friendly architectural design. The project, which is being designed by Dominican architect, Jorge Mesa, and Spanish landscaper, Artur Bossy, is scheduled to break ground in the first quarter of 2009.The 216-unit project is located 30 to 45 minutes from the capital, Santo Domingo. Since sales began a month ago, 25 units have been sold. “The potential buyer is a middle- to high-income Dominican, or an American or Canadian,” Rosalia Porcella, commercial director for Las Arenas, tells MHN. “We are also marketing in Spain and Russia, which are big emerging markets. We are promoting it as vacation homes and will provide the facility for the owners to rent apartments so they can get money back for their investment.”Las Arenas will feature one-bedroom lofts, two-, three- and four-bedroom condominiums and penthouses. Each unit features eco-friendly technology, sound proof walls, and controlled entry with an access card. Two large parking levels enable residents to have the option of three parking spaces per unit. Prices range from $210,000 to $2 million.  “The building’s ‘green’ design was inspired by the city’s natural beauty and unique landscape and views,” says Mesa. “Since its conception, Bossy and I have worked hand in hand to deliver a truly luxurious standard of living for both residents and visitors, while maintaining the integrity of Juan Dolio Beach,” adds Mesa.   The eco-friendly components featured in this development include rooftop solar panels, which will provide energy for all of the common areas and landscaping designed from the site’s natural vegetation. The tower, which consists of 80 percent glass, is designed to allow sunlight in but acts like a filter that only allows 20 percent of the sun’s heat to enter inside. This will minimize the use of energy from the air conditioners that cool the building. Las Arenas will also feature a treatment plant for water destined for the maintenance of the building and watering the gardens.  “In the Dominican Republic, we are now waking up to green building, so our project will be like the rising sun in this matter,” says Porcella. Other amenities include infinity edge pool, Jacuzzi with hydromassage that seats up to 15 people, beach club and recreational section for children with daily supervision, and a fully equipped gym with a beach view.