Meridien Hotel - VINCI Construction Grands Projets

BACKGROUND

Tahiti is the leading island resort in French Polynesia. Tourism is a major economic sector in Tahiti. From 1990 to 2000, with the increasing democratization of its transport systems, French Polynesia saw its tourist numbers increase, and even double, from nearly 120,000 people in 1992 to more than 250,000 in 2000. In response to this increase in demand, the island of Tahiti had to acquire new infrastructure. As a popular honeymoon destination (accounting for 25% of its tourist influx), Tahiti needed to build high-end hotels offering the very best conditions to an exacting customer base. This was the premise that guided this hotel-construction project for the Meridien group in Tahiti.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

The buildings feature a traditional Polynesian structure and architecture that is in harmony with their natural surroundings. The traditional section covers 20,000 m² of floor space; the 12 over-water bungalows are identical to those in Bora-Bora in terms of design and size. The buildings rest on strip foundations embedded in replacement soil. According to the construction plan, certain buildings were to be raised subsequently; consequently, this required modification was factored into the design of the foundation. The covering is a mixed wood and metal structure overlaid with cladding (wooden tiles) for the traditional buildings and with pandanus for the bungalows and the beach restaurant, as in Bora-Bora. The main entrance at level 2 of the central building is covered by a three-dimensional structure supporting a wooden tile cover. In addition to the 2,000-m² swimming pool, a 1,000-m² reflecting pool was built on the terrace over the main restaurant. The reflecting pool is linked to an 800-m² open-air canal at the same level as the restaurant. The water in this complex is also treated but separately from the water in the swimming pool. The air-conditioning system is a conventional central chilled-water and cooling system (a company variant/VRV system as a base solution). Hot-water production is also centralized except in the bungalows, each of which is equipped with a hot-water tank.

Tahiti is located in a region where cyclones occur. In 1983, Hurricane Veena struck Tahiti; consequently, the bungalows were designed to withstand cyclones.

IMPACT

This new hotel supports tourism-development efforts and aspirations in French Polynesia. It marks the entry of Meridien hotels in French Polynesia, providing a modern perspective while preserving traditional Polynesian knowledge and way of life.
The Meridien Hotel in Tahiti, which combines unique Polynesian charm and ambience as well as traditional local architecture, sits in an idyllic location next to Punaauia. The Meridien in Tahiti is a high-quality resort that is recommended both for families and honeymooners.