CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—The Sandpearl Resort, slated to open in August, has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification requirements. JMC Communities, the resort’s developer and owner, is resolute in following the specific LEED requirements, which include elements that preserve the beauty of Clearwater Beach so that it can be shared with generations to come.
A prime example is the resort’s salt bromine pool filtration system, which, while costing twice as much as a standard system to install, was a required element of the owner. The Sandpearl resort is passionate about not putting chlorine waste into the public systems, and they believe children should not have to suffer from sore red eyes for hours following a swim in the pool.
Other environmental elements being incorporated, despite much higher expenses, include:
• Geothermal system throughout the entire hotel, allowing for natural interaction between the sun and earth to heat the pool and spas, which saves a significant amount of energy and provides an ideal pool-side experience.
• Cool water chiller system, as opposed to the typical through-the-wall ventilation units, which provides improved conditions for guests with a higher quality of indoor air.
• Room-by-room energy management system that regulates temperatures based on occupancy and sold status, meaning that room temperatures will be at an agreeable level upon arrival and during a guest’s stay, but a room that is not occupied will not be cooled to as low of a temperature. In addition, system cutoffs have been installed on the sliding glass doors to eliminate extra cooling while guests are enjoying a fresh Florida breeze from the lanai.
• Window glazing that is double-paned, laminated, and low-e coated resulting in sound transmission reduction, pressure and impact resistance, a high level of UV protection and superior insulating value.
• Indoor environmental quality that requires a totally nonsmoking facility, as well as an air quality management plan during construction that requires the use of materials specifically selected for their lower chemical contents.
• Recycling more than 50 percent of waste from the construction site, including many tons of wood, metals, concrete, gypsum and plastics that could then be reintroduced into the manufacturing stream, therefore minimizing the need for virgin materials and diminishing the amount of materials that were simply thrown away.
• Ozone laundry system, which reduces water consumption by requiring less water to clean through fewer cycles.
• All of the resort’s parking is housed beneath the structure, which keeps more of Florida’s coastline open for appreciation and enjoyment. In addition, less surface area covered by asphalt means less heat created at ground level, keeping the natural environment natural and reducing urban heat islands. This covered parking is also more enjoyable for guests, who won’t have to get into a steaming hot car after a long day in the sun.
• Preferred parking spaces designated for low-emission vehicles, such as hybrid electric cars, which encourages the use of more efficient automobile technologies capable of reducing fossil fuel demand and tailpipe emissions.
• An advanced technology irrigation system that will provide plant species with the necessary amount of water while soil moisture sensors communicate with a central computer indicating when the system can be turned off.
• Green building education enrichment program available for all guests with signage throughout the resort to highlight the energy and environment-conscious measures utilized. Plus, a case study has been developed to further explore and share the technologies and strategies implemented to make Sandpearl green.
The Sandpearl Resort will be the first new beachfront resort in Clearwater Beach in more than 25 years. Situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine Gulf Coast beach, Sandpearl will feature 253 luxurious guestrooms, a lagoon-style beachfront pool, full-service spa, unique lifestyle enrichment programs, fine and casual dining, plus meeting and event space.
The Sandpearl Resort is being developed by JMC Communities of St. Petersburg, Fla., and is managed by Naples, Fla.-based Coral Hospitality. Other project partners include the Hunter Hotel Group and Greenfield Partners. Founded in 1978, JMC Communities is a Florida-based real estate development company specializing in premier waterfront residential properties that preserve and accentuate the state’s natural beauty and uniqueness. JMC Communities has developed nearly 4,000 waterfront condominium homes in Florida, including many highly successful developments in the Gulf Coast area.
Coral Hospitality is a full-service management company with a diverse portfolio of resorts, hotels, condominiums, private golf and tennis clubs and community associations. Currently managing a collection of 35 properties throughout Florida and Georgia, Coral operates each with a core belief in providing thoughtful service in unique surroundings.
Go to the Sandpearl Resort.
