MASK Architects has designed the world’s first eco-tourism based baobab resort in Africa, Baobab Luxury Safari Resort, which produces its own water autonomously by using air-to-water technology that is powered by transparent solar device covered curtain glass.

Aim of the project

The aim of the project is to create a unique luxury residence, and to seek innovative, sustainable and environmental solutions to the problems based on constructive and restorative project generation processes arising from the geological, climatic and environmental factors in which the project is located.

The source of life

MASK Architects wanted to contribute to communities who need water in Africa. This versatile project has been designed to meet the needs of all segments. They envision their concept project to help the local communities in Africa that are remote and secluded from any infrastructure and amenities. They want to help build infrastructure and community, agriculture, manufacturing and water sourcing. This also gives people from all over the world the opportunity to go on a working holiday and help the local communities.

The purpose of eco-settlements

Integrating tourism into the planning of settlements allows developers to build environmental awareness and minimise the impact by raising funds and providing direct financial benefits for conservation, while consulting stakeholders and the public.

Air-to-water technology

By building an eco-friendly community, using the latest technologies, it will help with sourcing green energy. Integrated technology will allow the sourcing of water from the air. Air-to-water technology is integrated into each multi-modular living lodge structure. Each multi-modular living lodge has its own technology to produce water from humidity and optimised dehumidification techniques, extracting and condensing moisture in the air to produce healthy, purified drinking water.

Self-sustaining modular lodges

Self-sustaining multi-modular lodges’ curtain glass is covered by transparent solar panels that can produce electricity by itself. While offering a luxury and unique experience to the users, the autonomously produced water network will be provided to the people in Africa who are struggling with thirst. Thanks to the air filters placed inside, the wooden covered aluminium poles that parametrically surround the facade of each module will let air-intake enter these linear channels.

The channels, which are integrated into the linear lattice strip’s structure, extract humidity from the air. It is filtered, condensed and then processed through an additional multi-step filtration system in the system room, which is located at +1,5 level, producing purified great-tasting water.

Water-capturing system

The channels located at the exterior facades of each module produce a water-capturing system that absorbs moisture from the air and converts it into drinking water, using condensation and solar energy technology. Air is pulled by linear channels which are located at the centre of aluminium lattice strips on the facades of lodges. Each linear strip has its own filter and local air then passes through these filters.

Three-dimensional multilayer vertical filament meshes, integrated in the channel at 45 degrees, capture water drops. Due to the slope of the channel, water droplets will pass through certain filtering processes and will be collected in the tank located at the centre and foundation of the module. When the amount of water in the water tank located at the central foundation of each module reaches a certain amount, the water collected from the air will be transmitted to the areas needed in Africa as a network.

Adaptable project

The aim is for the eco-lodges concept to be delivered in any remote area, being the start of building self-sufficient communities. They are designed to be expandable and flexible for any situation and terrain. The project will be affordable, scalable and adaptable. Using resources sustainably, the aim is to reduce the impact of over-consumption and waste. While maintaining biodiversity within the settlements, it is binding nature and landscape together with wildlife. 

The baobab is a prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago.

A new ecological concept

The Baobab Safari Lodges is a new concept, designed to be ecologically friendly to the environment and create a luxury safari camping experience, inspired by baobab trees. Taking in local materials and culture, a unique safari lodge has been designed that echoes the culture and settlements designed to be a community in any secluded place.

In the new luxury safari lodges, with pools, wildlife interaction sections and living spaces, visitors can interact with the surrounding natural areas and combine the indoors and outdoors. The lodges will be raised 3,5m off the ground to create a secure living safe zone.

The lodge

The pool is on the top floor to enhance the experience and provide a vista panoramic view of the safari zone. A lower boundary interaction balcony allows people to interact with the surrounding wildlife.

The structure of the building consists of a centre that houses the staircase to access different levels of the lodge, as well as the pump for the water to be pumped up and drained down from the pool.

The exterior structure is created with local wooden material, with 40 structural pillars to support the floors and to house the transparency glass or lightweight material in-between. Foldable blinds create privacy when needed and allow cooling from the shade.

The lodges can be used for couples, small families or large groups. There are areas that house storage for luggage and clothing, a small bespoke bar for keeping snacks and drinks, and an internal bathroom with an enclosed toilet, sink and shower. There are also a multi-useable living room, working area and bedroom, a 30m² pool and a plunge deck area with an outdoor shower.

The balconies that surround the lodge, where the users can interact with the wildlife and feed them, can be installed with toughened glass on the floors to give a different perspective and view of the animals below.

Designed for easy mobility

The modules have been designed for easy mobility and to be built up and constructed in large or small lodges. The formations of the modules can self-sustain as a community integrated together to create a small or large eco-friendly community.

The idea with luxury eco-safari lodges is to create interest and awareness in wildlife and to experience it.

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://maskarchitects.com/ for the information in this editorial.

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