OUR RESPONSIBILITY...
Art
The new Oyster Box sets the stage for a celebration and tribute to the vibrant people and culture of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and South Africa, through the medium and expression of art. The hotel’s owners have long been patrons and collectors of contemporary South African art and artists and the hotel’s art collection is an extension of the Red Carnation Group’s existing commitment to and support of the local community as part of its vision for the hotel’s contribution to sustainable tourism and conservation.
The Oyster Box’s Art Collection brings together a vibrant and exciting tradition of paintings by contemporary Zulu artists in KZN. The collection is a colourful visual description of the traditional folk tales, myths and daily lives of the people of KZN and gives us an insight into life in their communities. Their narrative style is of vital importance in understanding South African history and specifically Zulu culture. In doing so, these chosen aspiring artists will receive exposure to the many South African and international guests that visit the hotel. They will also heighten awareness of the distinctive creativity and resourcefulness of KZN.
Green Initiatives
Through the implementation of the current initiatives and ongoing efforts, the Oyster Box is committed to ‘green best practice’, the affects of which it is hoped, will make the Oyster Box as one of the most ‘environmentally-caring’ hotels in Africa.
Initiatives include sustainable water and energy utilisation and the treatment of waste. The utilisation of heat (normally expelled and wasted from the hotel’s air-conditioning system) and solar heating is used to warm the water of the swimming pools on the property. ‘Grey’ water, is harvested from showers, baths and wash hand basins, filtered and pumped to holding tanks for flushing toilets and rainwater is used in the gardens.
State-of-the-art performance glazing in windows and doors assist in maintaining constant interior temperatures and reduce noise. Energy efficient lights and lamps have been installed where possible and sensors on bedroom sliding-doors will switch off the air-conditioning immediately guests open up access to the balconies or terraces.
A sophisticated building management system controls the major service installations throughout the property to ensure maximum energy efficiency and control.
Environmental protection was paramount when planning the luscious and extensive hotel gardens. Indigenous fauna and flora were planted wherever possible and during the renovation process many of the mature plants already on the property, such as aloes, frangipani and hibiscus, were re-located and preserved and have now been replanted at the hotel.
All waste from the hotel is separated and sent for recycling.