Margaret River winery, Clairault, is planning to develop a multi-million dollar resort that would be the first tourism facility to utilise the innovative eco houses designed by Jean-Mic Perrine.
Margaret River winery, Clairault, is planning to develop a multi-million dollar resort that would be the first tourism facility to utilise the innovative eco houses designed by Jean-Mic Perrine.
Called Perrinepods, the easy-to-assemble units are made from pre-cast, pre-stressed and tensioned concrete.
Like an ipod, the Perrinepods are oblong in shape and have been designed with the environment and luxury in mind.
They are thermally efficient, utilise solar heating technology and have a modern minimalist interior – stainless steel kitchen, frosted glass and marble floors in the bathroom, combined with polished concrete floors, walls and ceilings.
The pods are also cyclone and earthquake proof.
Owned by the Martin family, Clairault had been planning to develop accommodation at its winery on Caves Road for more than five years.
Bill Martin said the winery wanted to create a spa resort that would attract international visitors, but would also complement its existing food, wine and functions businesses.
The winery is expected to seek development approval to install 30 Perrinepods on its property in Margaret River early in the new year, with expectations the resort will be completed early in 2010.
The resort will include a mixture of two-bedroom, two-bathroom pods and one-bedroom, one-bathroom pods that will be linked by boardwalks.
The pods cost between $130,000 and $200,000, depending on their size.
Clairault also intend to develop a luxury ‘vino spa’, popular in Europe.
My Hotel Group director Pauline Chew, who has been overseeing the Clairault tourism facility development, and said the spa used the “grape method”, whereby grapes are used in the spa treatments.
“It can only be done in a good vineyard,” she said.
Ms Chew, who developed West Perth’s boutique luxury hotel The Outram, said she was scouting for a five-star international operator to manage the Clairault facility upon its completion.
Mr Martin said there had been demand for accommodation on site from wedding parties and guests, as well as visitors to the Margaret River region.
“Wine tourism is a huge business globally,” Mr Martin said.
“We have the right product and the right place and lots of people when they come to our place, whether it’s a causal trip or a wedding, ask whether we have a little cottage or a shack or something where they can stay.”
Mr Perrine said the Clairault resort would be the first tourism facility to utilise the pods.
The Perth-based architect is also in discussions with other tourism operators.
The pods, which can be constructed within three days, are also being considered for remote location housing.
