Creating a recreational pond with GSE geomembrane at Kiki Beach Resort

Overview

Kiki Beach Resort, located on Batam Island, Indonesia, recently took on an ambitious project to enhance its amenities by creating a water sports and recreational pond. Designed to boost the resort’s appeal and attract more visitors, this project was executed with the help of PT. Geo Green Envirotama, an experienced geomembrane installation specialist. The resort chose the GSE® HD 1.50 mm White Smooth geomembrane for its high-quality, durable, and visually appealing properties, making it ideal for a recreational pond setting.

The installation commenced in September 2022, following the shipment of the geomembrane in April. The custom-designed pond aimed to create an inviting, lagoon-like space for water-based recreation. The pond’s completion has significantly enhanced the resort’s visual appeal, leading to increased bookings, particularly during peak holiday seasons. By adding this feature, Kiki Beach Resort has elevated its value, boosting visitor engagement and contributing to local tourism growth on the island.

Challenge

Installing the GSE HD geomembrane in this recreational pond presented several unique challenges, starting with the pond’s fluid, complex design. Unlike conventional square or rectangular ponds, the recreational pond featured an organic, non-linear shape, requiring precise handling and adjustments to ensure full, seamless coverage without compromising visual appeal.

Weather conditions posed another significant challenge, as the installation site was close to the sea. Batam Island’s coastal location often experiences strong winds, making the deployment of the geomembrane difficult. The installation team had to secure the material effectively to prevent wind interference during the process.

Logistical challenges also arose due to restricted access to the site. Because of the island's limited infrastructure, large ships could not transport the geomembrane rolls directly to the location. Instead, smaller vessels had to be used, necessitating modifications to the shipment plan. Solmax addressed this by reducing the roll size from 7 m x 140 m to 7 m x 70 m, making the materials easier to handle and transport within the limited space.

To keep the geomembrane securely in place during installation, Solmax used an innovative method involving sandbags. Unlike traditional anchors, which would have disrupted the pond’s aesthetic, GSE Polylock system provided reliable containment while preserving the design’s seamless look. This approach offered both aesthetic and functional advantages, ensuring the geomembrane remained in place even in challenging conditions.

Solution

Solmax supplied 12,000 m² of GSE HD 1.50 mm White Smooth geomembrane, a product specifically chosen to meet the aesthetic requirements of the client. The white geomembrane provided a clean, visually appealing surface that complemented the resort’s desired look, giving the recreational pond a pristine, lagoon-like quality. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the geomembrane delivered key functional benefits, such as UV resistance and durability.

The GSE HD geomembrane was selected based on its proven track record in water containment projects. Previously, the resort had installed another brand’s white geomembrane, which became brittle after six months of exposure to fresh water, causing it to fail. Confident in Solmax’s material quality, the resort chose the GSE HD liner to ensure long-term durability and functionality in this demanding recreational environment. This decision proved crucial for the project’s success and highlighted Solmax's reputation as a trusted provider of reliable geosynthetic solutions.

The GSE HD 1.50 mm White Smooth geomembrane offered several advantages beyond aesthetics. Its smooth surface made it easy to clean and maintain, while its microbial-resistant properties helped maintain water quality—a critical factor in recreational applications. Additionally, the geomembrane’s UV-stabilized formulation extended its service life, a vital attribute for open-air water reservoirs exposed to continuous sunlight. These features aligned perfectly with Kiki Beach Resort’s need for a durable, attractive, and functional liner.

A flexible approach to customization was essential in meeting the project’s needs. By adapting the roll sizes to 7 m x 70 m, Solmax facilitated easier handling and deployment, allowing the installation team to overcome the logistical constraints at the site. This customization ensured the project remained on schedule, which was critical for aligning the pond’s opening with the resort’s grand re-opening.

Solmax further enhanced the installation process by using a white GSE Polylock system for anchoring, avoiding the visual disruption caused by traditional anchors. Combined with strategically placed sandbags, the GSE Polylock system provided robust containment, maintaining the pond’s aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity against strong coastal winds and water movements. This innovative approach allowed the geomembrane to seamlessly blend into the pond design, offering both stability and an uninterrupted visual appeal.

The successful completion of this project has yielded significant benefits for Kiki Beach Resort. Since the pond’s opening, the resort has reported increased occupancy rates, particularly during peak holiday seasons, as visitors are drawn to its unique recreational offerings. Completing the pond in time for the grand opening allowed the resort to capitalize on the peak season, enhancing both guest experience and overall satisfaction.

A key lesson from this project is the importance of selecting durable materials for water containment, especially in recreational settings where geomembranes are exposed to fresh water and sunlight. The initial failure of an alternative geomembrane underscored the risks associated with inferior materials. Solmax’s GSE HD 1.50 mm White Smooth geomembrane offered a dependable solution, proving that high-quality materials are essential for achieving long-term durability and performance.

Another valuable takeaway is the effectiveness of a flexible, customized approach to logistical challenges. Solmax’s adaptation of roll sizes allowed for efficient transport and deployment, essential for a site with limited accessibility. This adaptability was critical in meeting the project timeline and ensuring smooth installation.

Conclusion

Kiki Beach Resort and PT. Geo Green Envirotama expressed high satisfaction with Solmax's contributions to this project. They cited product quality, adaptability, and timely production as the top reasons for recommending Solmax. By delivering a reliable, attractive, and durable solution tailored to the resort's specific needs, Solmax has strengthened its reputation in the geosynthetics and recreational industry. This project sets a benchmark for future recreational water containment installations, demonstrating the value of Solmax’s high standards, adaptability, and commitment to quality.