Submission: December 17, 2021
Registration: December 17, 2021
Language: English
Location: Limpopo, South Africa
Prizes: Please see details below
Type: Open

The owner of a plot of land in Limpopo, South Africa, who has a long history of reputable work in the global safari industry, is looking for fresh ideas for the development of an all-inclusive, experiential, and immersive, luxury safari lodge. The challenge invites architects/designers to imagine what the site could offer to guests and dream up a concept for a guest accommodation unit that would impress the client and any award-winning architect. Show us something the safari industry has never seen before. The sky is the limit!

The owner/client is looking for:

Cutting edge ideas and design concepts for the non-permanent guest room structures of a brand-new luxury safari lodge in Limpopo, South Africa. The location of the safari lodge is remote, in the bush, surrounded by wildlife (although the lodge itself will be fenced off from larger game), and has limited-service provision on site.
Unique designs that showcase an innovative and fresh take on safari lodging, with particular attention to the guest experience, environmental sustainability, and minimizing environmental impact to the site.
Designs that showcase the technical capability of an architect/designer and their potential to work with the client on an ongoing basis on the manufacturing and construction of the proposed structures as well as other components of the broader safari lodge construction project if the opportunity arises.

The Challenge

Design a guest room structure that:

Is iconic, recognisable, feasible, cannot be found or purchased elsewhere, and is not easily replicable.
Responds to the needs of the client/owner as per the brief above.
Is not permanent, but not so temporary that quality and durability are compromised.
Considers linkages to a centralised water provision system and French-drain to septic tank- style waste-water system.
Does not require any concrete pouring on site, makes extensive use of durable fabrics, and may use fixed walls only where necessary.
Could be manufactured relatively simply and assembled on-site in a couple of days.
Sheds rainwater naturally, allows for circulating air flow, can withstand winds of >120km/hr as well as keep out unwanted guests such as primates, snakes and insects.
Is 45-80m2 in size, is made from predominantly fabric or membrane materials, and is fully self- sustainable from an energy point of view.
Comfortably sleeps two people in a sleeping area capable of fitting either a king-sized bed or 2x single bed configuration (show on 2D plan where bed/s would fit).
Includes, as a minimum, storage for luggage and clothing, a small bar area for keeping drinks and snacks, an internal bathroom with enclosed toilet, sink, and shower, an outdoor shower, an outdoor plunge pool (positioning of all components to be shown on the 2D floorplan/interior layout).
Is not too rustic, but also not ultra-modern. The design should pay homage to the site, landscape, and luxury camping experience.
Considers the aesthetic, structural, and practical components of manufacturing and construction.
Is cost-effective ie. could be manufactured and constructed for no more than US$40,000.

The Prize

A cash prize of US$5,000 will be awarded to the winning designer who is selected from the judging process.
Multiple prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the client/owner for any additional designs which he/she intends to use, subject to negotiation and agreement between both parties of a suitable amount to be paid, which will not exceed the prize amount in any instance.
Potential for future contract work with the owner/client for designers whose designs stand out and whose designs the client/owner intends to use.