Eden Island

MAHE, SEYCHELLES

Eden Island is a 50ha man-made island located off the coast of Mahe, the capital island of Seychelles. The project includes the development of a marina, commercial centre, offices, hotel and 450 residential units.

This project, initiated by the Seychelles government and developed by the Eden Island Development Company (Seychelles LTD), is the single largest public private partnership undertaken by the Seychelles government.

In essence, enclosed water bodies have functions similar to urban squares. The marina, for example, serves as the ‘main square’ of the settlement, the main building complex facing the marina incorporates facilities similar to a complex of buildings in a traditional village, while basins and inlets serve as the streets and squares.

Urban Design

The timeless and endearing characteristics of quality settlements inspired and informed the design of Eden Island. Urban spaces (streets and squares) are clearly defined by buildings of various sizes and status and are enhanced by landscaped spaces.The seashore is the quintessential boundary of Eden Island, large and small internal waterways and harbours for small craft were created to serve as public places similar to the squares and streets that provide historic villages with their uniqueness, beauty and charm.

The functional and positive spaces created by internal harbours, channels and the main marina are integrated with a landscaped open space system including small beaches, pedestrian and cycle routes and recreational amenities.

Eden Island resonates with these ‘sense of place’ qualities – whether it be in the structure of the homes, the shutters, windows screens, the form of the buildings or whether it be natural characteristics, such as the trees and shrubs or the ocean. Eden Island will truly live up to its name.

Architectural Design

The firm adopted a regional architectural design approach pertaining to Eden Island. In particular, the ‘sensed qualities’ of place, history, craft, nature and limits that provided historic Seychelles and the tropic islands of the region with their unique qualities, inspired the design.

The design of the buildings of Eden Island is in harmony with the building traditions of the island without copying it.

Influences by French, Indian and Victorian settlers contributed to a very distinct style, evident in the pitched roofs, the big verandas and the location of homes, designed around the views and warm days.

Landscape Architecture

While the island is artificial and manmade, the proposed development had to be undertaken in a manner that minimizes negative impact on the environment of the island and surrounding marine life.

Research, regarding the environmental conditions of the site, was undertaken to establish a comprehensive plant database and landscape management plan.

In addition, this office was involved in the establishment of a temporary nursery on site for plant propagation and a landscape maintenance facility.