In order that it may minimise the impact on the environment, the following considerations were taken:
1. all the buildings were set-back 60m from high water mark, to protect the shoreline;
2. building structures, except for the main building, were raised above natural ground level to:
- minimise extensive earthworks;
- allow free flow of surface and rainwater thereby eliminating drainage requirements; and
- allow for uninterrupted percolation of water into the existing ground.
3. a simple structural system (post and beam) was used.
Public spaces are located in the central axis of the site with three blocks of rooms spreading out towards the north and the other to the south.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture