Located on South Abaco in The Bahamas, Habacoa is set to become North America’s most comprehensive marina accommodating the largest yachts on the seas, together with bespoke residences for the world’s yachting community.
Projected to open in 2027, Habacoa’s developers have selected Zaha Hadid Architects to design both the Yacht Club and Nightclub Casino. Integrating sustainable design technologies with environmentally responsible materials and renewable energy generation, Habacoa’s architecture seamlessly connects with the nature of the island.
Respecting the natural beauty and integrity of South Abaco, we envisioned our design through a sustainable lens”, explains Juan Ignacio Aranguren, Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects. “The project has been deeply influenced by meticulous attention to environmental considerations.”
An architectural landmark visible by ships out at sea, the 25,000-square-foot Yacht Club will feature a unique roof that evokes the fluid movement of waves and directs cooling sea breezes throughout its interiors. Incorporating sustainable design features to maximize natural ventilation and daylight while also reducing energy consumption, the club will be cocooned by tropical gardens and include a members’ restaurant bar, open-air terraces, and a hub for community events.
The architecture of Habacoa’s Nightclub & Casino is also inspired by the movement of water in a composition of undulating forms that connect its lounges, bars and gaming floor with a variety of covered outdoor spaces on the marina’s harbourside.
Two separate lobbies for the night club and casino provide distinct user experiences while enhancing privacy and security. Habacoa’s developers are committed to the most responsible approach to sustainability and the preservation of the island’s natural ecosystems.
The site’s existing deep-water minimizes disruption to the shoreline and marine habitats, while sustainable construction methods on land will create a majority of the development. Working with marine biologists and local environmental bodies, any corals impacted by construction will be transplanted to vetted locations where they can safely flourish.
This commitment extends to energy usage with extensive use of solar power. Taking advantage of The Bahamas’ optimal weather conditions, renewable energy generation and storage technologies will contribute to meeting Habacoa’s energy requirements.
The masterplan also incorporates rainwater harvesting infrastructure for potable water supplies while wastewater recycling in a centralized plant will be used for other needs.
Habacoa will generate social-economic benefits for the local Bahamian community with investment in education and training programs, historical preservation, and infrastructure upgrading – generating over 1,000 local jobs throughout development and another 600+ permanent jobs when fully operational. Source by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA).
- Location: South Abaco, The Bahamas
- Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
- ZHA Design: Patrik Schumacher
- ZHA Project Director: Juan Ignacio Aranguren C.
- ZHA Project Associates: Effie Nakajima, Sebastian Andia
- ZHA Project Leads: Magda Smolinksa, Angelica Videla
- ZHA Project Team: Zhefan Pan, Mauricio Villagra Dell’Erba, Paul Joseph, Barbara Schickermueller, Gizem Dogan
- Consultants Executive Architect: K2M
- Local Architect: K2M
- Structural Engineers: K2M
- Cost Consultants: K2M
- Environmental Consultants: One Consultants
- M&E Engineering: K2M
- MEP: K2M
- Transport Consultant: K2M
- Fire Engineer: K2M
- Landscape Consultant: Girvin Associates
- Infrastructure: Light Point Engineering
- Marine Consultant: Moffatt % Nichol
- Project Manager: Rockford Construction
- Year: 2024
- Images: Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)