VENICE IN THE STEPPES:
MAYBALYK ECO-ESTATE, A UNIQUE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IN ASTANA
The Maybalyk Eco-Estate project, dubbed "Venice in the Steppes," creates a recreational area and eco-village on the water within the city limits of Astana. The residential areas will be connected not only by roads and walkways but also by water channels—evoking the atmosphere of Venice.
This groundbreaking development offers a new approach to housing, unprecedented in Central Asia. The project, designed in collaboration with renowned Latvian architect Aivars Zvirbuls, aims to create a high-quality residential environment, setting a new standard for living in Kazakhstan—a landlocked country where waterfront living is an extraordinary rarity.
Maybalyk Estate LLP has secured a prime location for the project, adjacent to Lake Maybalyk and near Astana’s Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.
The eco-estate will feature a landscape with horizontal layouts of grass and heather carpets, with around 30,000 trees planted to integrate the development into the green belt of Zhasyl-Aimak.
Kazakhstan’s "Venice in the Steppes" stands out from the countless cottage villages in the country due to its unique waterfront access—most cottages have direct access to the canals—along with its environmental focus and lush green spaces, including golf courses and multiple sports and recreational playgrounds.
Sustainability is a key focus of the Maybalyk eco-village. Energy will be provided by alternative sources, including solar panels and wind turbines. Only electric vehicles and other eco-friendly transportation will be permitted within the estate. For residents and visitors arriving with internal combustion vehicles, parking areas will be situated at the estate entrance, where they can transfer to electric cars, go-karts, bicycles, or scooters.
Maybalyk Estate LLP plans to offer land plots for sale to both Kazakhstani citizens and foreign buyers, as well as to local and international developers who face a growing demand for land in Kazakhstan’s capital.
WORLD EXPERIENCE
Aivars Zvirbuls is the visionary architect behind the unique residential eco-community of Amatciems Village in Latvia, also known as the "City of the Sun."
Amatciems spans a vast, comfortable living space that includes forests, man-made ponds, hills, and eco-style cottages. Remarkably, just a few years ago, the area was predominantly swampy. Today, it stands as a distinctive eco-village, unparalleled not only in Latvia but across Europe.
The primary vision for Amatciems is to provide modern individuals with a living space that satisfies contemporary demands for comfort and quality while nestled within pristine natural surroundings. This eco-village seamlessly integrates all the amenities of urban life with the tranquility of nature.
A standout feature of Amatciems is its low-density urban planning, differentiating it from other cottage communities with water access. While this approach may pose challenges in terms of land sales, it has garnered worldwide recognition, high demand, and long waiting lists. This success is attributed to the natural ecosystem and the serene atmosphere meticulously crafted by Aivars Zvirbuls, allowing land buyers to make personalized choices within a harmonious environment.
PHILOSOPHY OF VENICE IN THE STEPPES
Inspired by Latvia's Amatciems eco-village and designed by the esteemed Aivars Zvirbuls, Maybalyk is envisioned as an eco-tourism town spanning 650 hectares where nature harmonizes with comfort.
Maybalyk aims to create an affordable eco-tourism destination for both residents and visitors of Nur-Sultan. The goal is to offer a space where individuals can live and relax in harmony with nature while enjoying all the conveniences of urban infrastructure.
Uniqueness of Maybalyk:
* Individual Access: Each residence boasts access to its own pond and green area, a novel concept in eco-town planning.
* Landscaping: Large-scale landscaping will sculpt hills and small valleys within the typical steppe environment, enhancing the local landscape's visual appeal.
* Water Integration: Recreational areas will feature water basins, lakes, and channels adjacent to the Zhasyl Aimak forest. These water features will seamlessly transition into linear parks, connecting residents and visitors through a green corridor.
* City-Park Concept: Maybalyk is envisioned as a city-park with a unique landscape and architecture. It combines developed infrastructure for recreation and sports with low-rise residential buildings that blend organically with the natural environment.
* Environmental Commitment: Preserving Lake Maybalyk and its rich biodiversity is paramount. Maybalyk employs sustainable development practices and environmentally friendly technologies, including renewable and alternative energy sources, waste collection and sorting, and the reuse of rain and purified water.
TERRITORY
Location:
Maybalyk Eco-Tourism Town is strategically situated near the Nur-Sultan International Airport and Lake Maybalyk, on the southern outskirts of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
Significance of Lake Maybalyk:
* Environmental Impact: Serving as a natural reservoir, Lake Maybalyk plays a crucial role in maintaining the capital's microclimate. It acts as a natural filter, cleansing and humidifying the city's dusty air during summer, thereby enhancing air quality.
* Fishery Value: The reservoir supports local fisheries by supplying water to fish hatcheries. It replenishes the reservoirs of the Akmola region and the Ishim River with valuable fish species.
* Recreational Appeal: Positioned between the Nura and Ishim rivers, Lake Maybalyk is a hub for recreation. A planned park complex with diverse recreational areas will preserve the unique ecosystem while providing a comfortable living environment for city residents. Additionally, it will attract tourists from both within Kazakhstan and internationally.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Concept Development:
Creating a comprehensive concept and master plan for Maybalyk requires understanding fundamental questions:
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Purpose: Why are we creating this eco-town?
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Audience: Who are our residents and guests?
3. Needs: What does our audience require?
Modern Resident Needs:
Today's urban dwellers, overwhelmed by the fast-paced flow of activity and information, seek respite and rejuvenation in nature. Traditional escapes like dachas, villages, national parks, and recreation centers often involve long, tiring journeys and logistical challenges.
Nur-Sultan's Context:
Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan is a young, dynamic city with a rapidly growing population. Currently, it offers a limited number of recreational and outdoor spaces for both summer and winter activities. Most leisure time is spent in shopping and entertainment centers, highlighting a significant recreational deficit.
Opportunity:
There is a clear need for a centralized location where living and recreation coexist. Maybalyk aims to fill this gap by providing accessible, ecologically pristine areas near the city, serving as a hub for both residents and visitors seeking nature-based leisure.
RESIDENT CATEGORIES AND THEIR MOTIVATION FOR MOVING TO MAYBALYK
1. Active Individuals:
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Motivations: Socialization, sports, events, adrenaline activities, and the desire for a second home.
2. Families:
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Motivations: Country getaways, second homes, family celebrations, active recreation, and eco-friendly relaxation.
3. Children:
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Motivations: Education through entertainment, natural science exploration, scouting activities, adventure parks, educational excursions, farming schools, and active recreation.
4. Tourists and Corporate Sector:
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Motivations: Transit recreation, sightseeing, team-building activities, concerts and festivals, and sporting events.
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
Maybalyk Estate features a diverse range of residential buildings to accommodate various budgets:
* Detached Villas: Offering direct access to the lake or a water channel.
* Apartments: Located in 5-story residential buildings.
This variety ensures that there are options available for all levels of ownership, providing flexibility and comfort for every resident.
ACTIVE SPORTS, RECREATION, AND FITNESS
Spanning a large territory with natural and picturesque landscapes, the estate provides ample opportunities for a wide array of activities, sports, and recreation:
1. Outdoor Activities: Cycling, walking, running, and horse riding around the lake.
2. Water Sports: Paddle boarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, boating, jet skiing, rowing, and kayaking.
3. Tours and Exploration: Segway tours, electric scooter rides, mountain biking, and ATV excursions around the lake and estate.
4. Winter Sports: Skiing around the lake, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and reindeer sledding.
5. Eco Recreation: Fishing and ice fishing, horseback riding, camping, and public BBQs.
ECO FARMING
Addressing the global food security agenda, Maybalyk Estate emphasizes eco-philosophy by providing residents with opportunities to develop vital skills in smart farming. The estate will feature:
* Vertical Farms: Maximizing space for efficient crop production.
* Front Gardens and Small Plots: Personal spaces for individual farming.
* Greenhouses: For growing vegetables and fruits.
Residents can rent space for farming, fostering a community-driven approach to sustainable agriculture.
LODGING AND CATERING FOR TOURISTS
With its natural resort atmosphere, Maybalyk Estate is set to attract both domestic and international tourists. Planned accommodations include:
* 4-star Hotel: Featuring 50-100 rooms with a SPA complex.
* Detached Guest Houses: Offering private lodging options.
* Camping Facilities: For nature enthusiasts seeking a more rustic experience.
DINING OPTIONS
Guests will enjoy atmospheric and eco-friendly gastronomy. Scenic locations will host 3-6 restaurants and fast-food outlets offering organic dishes, many prepared with ingredients grown locally at the estate’s vertical farms, greenhouses, and fish farms.
GENERAL EDUCATION BUILDINGS
Educational facilities within the estate include:
* K-12 School: Accommodating 600 students.
* Kindergarte: Serving 240 children.
Both institutions emphasize environmental respect and sustainable development in their curricula. Additionally, the estate will feature:
* Youth and Children's Scout Camps
* Agro-Eco Clubs
* Sailing School
* Youth Rowing School
All educational programs are within walking distance from the residential areas, ensuring easy access for families.
COMMUNAL FACILITIES
At the heart of Maybalyk Estate, the central communal facility will include:
* Administration Building: Housing service and territory management, security center, and
sales office.
* Visitor Center: Featuring an adjacent plaza for public gatherings.
* Amenities: Supermarket, coffee shop, and fitness center.
* Plaza and Park Area: The multifunctional space will host concerts, fairs, festivals, and celebrations of national and religious holidays, providing a vibrant community hub.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Committed to environmental sustainability, Maybalyk Estate will implement sustainable development technologies and solutions across all aspects of its development:
* Energy Supply: Utilization of solar panels, heat pumps, and small wind generators to ensure energy efficiency.
* Water Management: Rainwater collection systems for technical reuse.
* Waste Management: Separation and processing of solid household waste, and conversion of food and biological waste into fertilizers.
All public buildings will be strategically located within walking distance from residential areas, designed for energy efficiency throughout the year.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
The architectural style of Maybalyk Estate will follow a harmonious design code, allowing for a variety of house types while maintaining aesthetic consistency. Features include:
* Facade Materials: Combination of brick, wooden panels, glued beams, and natural stone.
* Building Types: Individual residential buildings, block houses, and apartment complexes, each reflecting the consistent design elements.
This cohesive architectural approach ensures that the estate not only blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings but also provides visual diversity and appeal.
SUMMARY
Maybalyk Eco-Village represents a harmonious blend of nature and modern living. It offers a sustainable and luxurious lifestyle for its residents while safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Lake Maybalyk.
By addressing the recreational needs of Nur-Sultan's population and attracting tourists, Maybalyk stands as a beacon of eco-friendly development and community-centric living.