African project
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge – Botswana
ary retreat
ently undergone a metamorphosis and the results are beyond breathou the behind-the-scenes challenges and pushing of creative boundaries to
objective of the lodge Public Areas was to maximise the spectacular views of the
delta, and to allow the building to interact with the water edge and wildlife during
the flood season. The three main public areas are the dining room, bar and lounge.
These were all seamlessly interconnected under a single sinuous roof which covers
the main public area. The biggest project challenge was the removal of all previously
constructed brick and mortar building from the site and out of the Delta to a disposal
site in Maun. A very significant environmental change was moving from diesel
powered electricity to a full hybrid solar plant.
“Our design directive from the start was to be mindful of the lodge’s locational
sensitivities and the greater ecological impact of our refurbishment and to ensure
the delivery of a high quality, visually exciting, state of the art lodge,” explains Colin
Fletcher from DSA Architects. “It was therefore important to create a design that
delivered a harmonious balance between the specification of renewable, contextual
and functional materials, yet allowed flexibility to deliver a product with design
creativity all within an ecologically responsible framework. The aggressive climatic
conditions of the delta was a significant driver in selecting appropriate materials that
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