Alkira Resort House and Rainforest Retreat is a ground-breaking off-grid and carbon neutral architectural masterpiece property like no other, boasting two world heritage listings and a design that is not only fully sustainable but absolutely unique.

Located in the heart of the prehistoric Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland, Alkira floats exquisitely within its 30 hectares and boasts a breathtaking 600 metre stretch of coral fringed private beach that is part of The Great Barrier Reef. Designed by multi award-winning architect Charles Wright and completed in 2013, Alkira is a true haven to purveyors of great architecture and design.

The original owner, an avid stamp collector and property developer, inspired many of the property's most distinguishing features. The unusual swimming pool shape and the surrounding roofline is based on the silhouette of the head on the One Pound Jimmy postage stamp issued in Australia in the 1950's. The stamp was chosen to acknowledge the Aboriginal heritage of the region and to reflect the owner's appreciation for the stamp as a collector.

The artful indentations on Alkira's concrete facade reflect the perforation lines between postage stamps, as do the property's porthole windows that cast beams of light deep inside. Rich in concept as it is in exceptional aesthetics and standing firm in the middle of a man-made oasis, Alkira wholeheartedly lives up to its name which in Aboriginal means bright and sunny.

Constructed of prefabricated concrete, steel and glass, the property has beendesigned to withstand the surrounding environment over time. The harsh, corrosive wet tropics can be brutal, but Alkira was built to weather anything the far north conditions present.

Alkira is composed of six massive cantilevered wings that appear to float on the surface of the lake that surrounds the structure. Resting on deep underground foundations, the wings are designed to reduce the impact of the vibrant tropical weather, and each enjoys an individual view. Given its staunch construction, Alkira is Category 5 cyclone-proof and therefore classes as a cyclone shelter.

Given each of Alkira's 6 bedrooms or pods is at the tip of each cantilevered wing, they respectively capture unique framed viewpoints of the water they rest over, as well as the rainforest and the sky, whilst also assuring privacy and seclusion to guests. Each room is individually panelled with a different variety of responsibly sourced Daintree Rainforest timber and features individual lavish ensuite marble bathrooms and private balconies. They all benefit from the addition of air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat screen televisions, surround sound and WIFI.

The different living spaces surround the unusual silhouette of the pool, which acts as a focal point anchoring the rest of the property. Alkira's open design allows for a range of functions including living, entertaining and recreation in a secure but flexible setting that captures spectacular views of the property's lake, the surrounding rainforest and mountains. Luxury inclusions such as the open-air theatre, stainless steel Miele kitchen, teppanyaki grill, walk-in cool room, wine cellar, home office and a helipad satisfy even the most discerning guests needs.

Alkira's green design paves the way for sustainable rainforest architecture. Entirely off-grid and carbon neutral in operation the property is powered by solar energy. The home truly exists in harmony with the surrounding environment, integrating elements of the native wetland surrounds into its design through its water ecosystem. The roof area harvests rainwater into a 250,000-litre in-ground tank integrated with all hydraulic systems. The man-made wetland is filled with water pumped via solar energy from a nearby on-site creek. Alkira also hosts an advanced tertiary sewerage treatment plant and the capacity for grey water recycling and irrigation.

Alkira also exudes sustainable comfort. Green cooling has been integrated into the design where each space is naturally ventilated capturing delightful ocean breezes, while the property's multiple cascading water features ensure evaporative cooling effects. The concrete structure has also been specifically engineered and insulated to avoid retaining heat, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable ambient temperature year-round in the tropical environment that it enjoys.

Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in all the Far North has to offer, Alkira ensures absolute seclusion whilst still being close enough to the necessary amenities. Alkira will be appreciated by the guest who expects a little more including comfort, privacy, indulgence, modern beauty, and innovation. This floating, iconic designer retreat will be long remembered as the highpoint of any visit to the far north.

GETTING THERE

Alkira is accessible either by car or chartered helicopter. Cape Tribulation by road is a scenic journey approximately 2 hrs 15 mins from Cairns International Airport, 1 hr 20 mins from Port Douglas. Charter helicopters are available from both origins to Alkira helipad, a picturesque flight north over The Great Barrier Reef: 40mins ex Cairns, 25 mins ex Port Douglas.

BEDDING CONFIGURATION

Bedroom #1: Queen bed w/ ensuite & outdoor spa

Bedroom #2: Queen bed w/ ensuite & private balcony

Bedroom #3: Queen bed w/ ensuite & private balcony

Bedroom #4: Queen bed w/ ensuite & private balcony

Bedroom #5: Queen bed w/ ensuite & private balcony

Bedroom #6 (downstairs): Queen bed w/ ensuite