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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in Botswana by &BeyondMarch 17th, 2017 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: &Beyond Completely rebuilt to combine spectacular design with exceptional wildlife adventures, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge re-opened its doors on 1 September 2014. Luxury experiential travel company &Beyond called on leading creative teams from around the globe to achieve the dramatic transformation of the. Inspired by the unique body shape and nesting habits of African animals and birds, the lodge features a distinctive and innovative design.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com
 Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com The jewel of the Delta The nests of the weaver birds and the pangolin’s body armour of scales inspired the building structure at &Beyond Sandibe. The curvilinear shapes of the woven nests and the overlapping scales of the pangolin influenced both form and construction, with the building’s skeleton clad in a wooden skin of shingles and timber.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com Ascending a set of stairs, guests enter the lodge between segments of shingled skin, reaching a terrace above ground level. This vast area is split into three levels. To the left, more stairs ascend to the bar and lounge, which lead to a viewing platform. To the right, a series of decks descends to the forest floor and a rudimentary boma (outdoor eating area) formed from huge logs of descending size that mimic the tail bones of the pangolin. The colour palette is copper and wood, with a museum-quality display of a giant basket highlighting the handicrafts of the region. The dining room is dominated by an immense table made from the root of an ironwood tree. Two large woven carpets duplicate the intricate pattern on the underneath of a water lily.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com Nest-like suites in the treetops Designed for both privacy and views, guest suites are raised above the papyrus like nests, peeking out from a canopy of wild palms and fig trees. Simple and organic, low-key décor complements the powerful lines of the new buildings. Accent pieces include a casual crocodile-embossed leather sofa for two and a naturally beautiful side table made from a tree trunk. The giant king-sized bed looks out on spectacular Delta views from underneath a dazzling white mosquito net. The overall feeling is woody and ethereal, with bright copper highlights.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com In summer, Sandibe is all about outdoor living, with private plunge pools and two large outdoor day beds, one by the side of the pool and the other on an upper level, which is also ideal for private dining. In winter, the suites become cosy cocoons warmed by a wood-burning fireplace. A special fabric has been used to retain an open and natural feel while protecting the suites from weather and insects.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com Latest in sustainable technology In keeping with &Beyond’s core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People, Sandibe has been designed with a light footprint and a heavy focus on sustainability and efficiency. Situated in a remote area without easily available electricity, instead of relying on a generator to supply the lodge’s extensive energy needs, Sandibe’s combined solar electricity and hot water systems will produce in excess of 200 000 Kwh of energy per year. This will save the lodge 67 000 litres of diesel per year, which translates into a carbon footprint saving of 180 tons of CO², an amount that the lodge would have had to plant 4 615 tree saplings to offset.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com High quality-Ferrari fabric was installed in the window frames to block out harmful UV rays and keep the guest suites cool and comfortable in the hot summer months. Air conditioning is also being installed in the suites, with the lodge’s original solar farm, battery banks and generators expanded in order to provide for the additional energy required while still ensuring that 70% of Sandibe’s power comes from renewable sources.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com A collaboration of creative teams The design and décor of both lodges are the result of a collaborative effort between three teams. Nicholas Plewman Architects and Michaelis Boyd Associates were responsible for the architecture, while Fox Browne Creative ensured &Beyond’s warm brand is reflected in the interior décor. Based in South Africa, Nicholas Plewman has been involved in many &Beyond projects, including the design of the original &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. His intimate knowledge of the site and sensitivity to the environment contributed towards the rebirth of the project he developed and conceptualised over sixteen years ago.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com London-based Michaelis Boyd Associates brought a fresh new energy to their first project in Africa. The company has extensive experience in hotel and restaurant design in the UK and throughout Europe. Fox Browne Creative is renowned for its consultation work in the development of luxury lodges. Owners Chris Browne and Debra Fox have a long-standing history with &Beyond, having been involved in the design and operations of many of its lodges.  Image Courtesy © andBeyond.com ABOUT &BEYOND &Beyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 15 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s natural highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.
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Tags: Botswana, Okavango Delta Category: Lodge |
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