Running a hotel with 282 guestrooms requires substantial electricity and water and given the island location for the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, resource conservation was a key focus during the design phase. Our goal was to reduce operational costs for the owner while minimizing dependence on local utilities.

On the south side of the site, we installed geothermal abstraction wells to draw cooler water from below the surface, reducing the energy needed for heat rejection through water-cooled chillers. This system also cuts down on the property’s reliance on the local water treatment plant, further reducing operational costs.

To complement the geothermal system, we implemented ice storage tanks to lower water temperatures in the chiller heat rejection system. During peak electrical demand, the chillers can draw from the pre-chilled water in the ice tanks, significantly reducing electricity usage during the hot summer months. Additionally, these tanks provide redundancy: in emergencies or when the chillers are offline for maintenance, the ice-chilled water ensures uninterrupted service for guests.

Water conservation was another priority. We installed cisterns to collect roof runoff, which is used to supply the fire sprinkler systems, reducing the need for municipal water. A separate 50,000-gallon stormwater tank collects rainwater for irrigation, further minimizing municipal water use. The landscaping features native plants that are well-adapted to the local climate, which naturally reduces the need for irrigation.

Air quality was also a major consideration. The hotel is equipped with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) with heat recovery, providing dedicated ventilation separate from the conditioned supply air. Variable Air Volume (VAV) terminal units throughout the building allow the system to adjust based on real-time carbon dioxide levels, maintaining indoor air quality while optimizing energy efficiency. The heat recovery wheel in the DOAS pre-cools incoming ventilation air through energy exchange with exhaust air, ensuring guests experience comfortable temperatures while reducing energy consumption.
Looking to the future, we also installed infrastructure for photovoltaic panels on the hotel tower and ballroom roofs, allowing for easy installation of solar panels when the time comes.
With these sustainable strategies, we aim to offer guests a high-quality resort experience while minimizing the hotel’s impact on local utilities.

Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2025Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman IslandsArchitects:BLUR WorkshopLandscape Architects:MCLVGeneral Contractor:DECCO Ltd.Design Team:Scott Sickeler, Scott Morris, Andres Gonzales, and Samantha YarmowichClient:Dart Hospitality LimitedPhotographers:Garey Gomez Photography