African Design Magazine March 2016 | Page 20

A frican Design Magazine recently caught up with Melanie Pretorius of the ZPC Group to discuss the project. The ZPC Group is a proudly South African design, development and construction group of companies, who have competently executed projects throughout Africa in the construction industry for the past 20 years, and continue to do so. The ZPC Group specialises in large hospitality and retail projects. Their turnkey solution ensures functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings within budget and on time. They boast efficiency from initial consultation to key handover. Q What was the brief for the project? MP: A total, major revamp of the entire Hôtel du 2 Février, 320 rooms and apartments, five food & drink outlets, meeting space of 3 600m2, including two auditoriums, an outdoor swimming pool and terrace, a business centre, a business class lounge, a 375m2 gym & spa area, tennis courts and a casino. Replacing the outside glass facade with new glass, outside garden landscaping, parking, entrances, etc. The hotel is being refurbished in line, and in some instances, over and above, the Radisson 5 star standard, and will be operated by the Carlson Rezidor Group. Q What was the site formerly? MP: The former “Corinthia Hotel 2 Fevrier” is the tallest building in Lomé, it is visible from just about anywhere in the city and is the tallest hotel in West Africa (102m, 36 floors). This highly visible landmark building enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city on place de l’Indépendance, just 7km away from the international airport. It