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.
ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS
Patrik Schumacher
Juan Ignacio Aranguren C.
Effie Nakajima, Sebastian Andia
Magda Smolinksa, Angelica Videla
Zhefan Pan, Mauricio Villagra Dell’Erba, Paul Joseph, Barbara Schickermueller, Gizem Dogan
K2M
K2M
K2M
K2M
One Consultants
K2M
K2M
K2M
K2M
Girvin Associates
Light Point Engineering
Moffatt & Nichol
Rockford Construction
