Founder & Director of Eco Structures Australia
Karl Plunkett is an inventor at heart, a builder by trade, and a passionate advocate for sustainable living. With over 25 years in the construction industry, Karl’s journey began in 1996 when he founded Australian Eco Constructions Pty Ltd, a company that quickly became known for its ability to build in even the most remote and challenging environments.
In the early 2000s, Karl took his love for sustainable tourism to the next level when he became the owner of Eco Beach in Broome, Western Australia. But things didn’t go as planned when Cyclone Rosita hit in 2000, leaving a trail of destruction. Instead of seeing it as a setback, Karl saw it as an opportunity to rethink how resorts should be built. By 2009, he and his team had developed the very first Eco Structures Tents—designed to withstand region D cyclones and create a new standard for eco-friendly tourism accommodations.
Karl’s vision? To create spaces that blend comfort with nature and offer travellers the chance to unplug, reconnect, and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. He takes great pride in designing and manufacturing for World Heritage Listed and Class A Reserves, ensuring that every project not only delivers sustainable, eco-friendly solutions but also enhances and protects these exceptional areas.
In 2020, Karl took his passion for innovation a step further with the launch of WABi Systems – a prefabricated construction methodology that simplifies the building process, making it stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for remote locations. WABi Systems has redefined how sustainable resorts are built, offering rapid, cost-effective, and durable solutions to meet the demands of eco-tourism operators anywhere.
For Karl, it’s all about shaping unforgettable experiences. His motto, “Building for the future,” drives him to exceed client expectations while fostering trust and meaningful connections in every project. Whether it’s through Eco Structures’ timeless designs or WABi Systems’ innovative building methods, Karl is always looking for the next way to elevate eco-tourism.
When Karl isn’t busy designing the next great eco-resort or creating sustainable solutions for the tourism industry, you’ll find him out on the water. An avid boat enthusiast, he loves fishing, swimming, and soaking up the beauty of the ocean. When he’s not out on the water, he’s back at work, always innovating and asking, “Where to next?”
