Interior designer Inge Moore and her studio, The Gallery HBA, have redesigned an island safari lodge in Botswana, creating a luxury getaway inspired by the diverse wildlife of the Okavango Delta.
The old Belmond Eagle Island Lodge was completely dismantled and many of the materials reused to create a contemporary space sensitive to both the ecology and aesthetics of the delta.
Twelve 62sq m (667sq ft) tented guestrooms – their form inspired by the huge ant nests which are a prominent feature of the local landscape – have been created. Each has its own dining pavilion, two-level lounge and an additional 20sq m (215.2sq ft) terrace with a plunge pool.
The lodge's public spaces, which curve around ancient trees, include an arrivals boma, a bar, a restaurant, a library, an internet lounge, a camp fire area and a shop.
Each area within the camp interprets the natural world through design features. Metal sculptures evoke swarms of butterflies flying through the air around cocoons; lamps cast shadows creating the illusion of insects in flight; lighting elements are inspired by birds' nests; and collections of preserved insects are displayed in the open-kitchen restaurant.
Many of elements are artisanal, specially commissioned and hand-made in Africa by Simon Beebe of BB Designs.
"The design flows through the camp like the water channels that weave through the local grasslands and the colour palette is inspired by the greens and soft yellows of the landscape," said The Gallery HBA in a statement.
“Our wish has been to give guests an insight into the soul of the Delta that they can marvel at while they are there and take away with them when they leave,” said Inge Moore. “By using local artisans and materials, reinventing traditional safari camp paraphernalia and translating the natural world into the interiors, the design is crafted to fill the hearts and minds of both safari camp connoisseurs and newcomers alike.”
The Gallery wanted to ensure the architectural design and engineering of the project was as environmentally-friendly as possible.
"Reclaimed timber was used where possible in the creation of the structures and roof coverings are of local thatch," said the studio. "Power generation is via a new Photo Voltaic Solar battery system, all lighting is LED based and all energy consuming amenities have been selected for their power efficiencies.
"Gas-fired hot water heaters have been replaced by thermodynamic geysers and drinking water is pumped directly from the Kavango River, treated and then stored in water coolers around the lodge.”
