world's first eco-tourism safari resort in africa produces its own water from air

MASK ARCHITECTS unveils baobab luxury safari resort

MASK Architects has designed the world’s first eco-tourism resort in Africa which autonomously produces its own green energy and water for the community. Fitted with Air to Water technology powered by transparent solar device-covered curtain glass, BAOBAB Luxury Safari Resort takes shape as a cluster of beechwood lodges, drawing on the typology of a community settlement and the form of the ancient baobab tree. Creating a serene getaway rooted in nature, the resort invites visitors to reconnect with the rich environment and interact with the wildlife that freely roams around the settlement.

Part of a wider restorative scheme, the project not only seeks to create an idyllic getaway in nature, but is also the first step in the architects’ plan to create a sustainable and ecological community in Africa. The resort collects and distributes water to deprived communities, as well as helping to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing. The architects state: ‘With this project, our goal is to make the most basic need of water accessible rather than a luxury experience, and to prevent hunger, thirst and the diseases and deaths its causes.’ 

all images courtesy of MASK Architects

producing green electricity and water autonomously 

International firm MASK Architects has designed the BAOBAB Safari Lodges to be ecologically friendly and sensitive to its environment while creating a luxury safari camping experience inspired by the prehistoric Baobab tree. Using local materials and injecting local culture, the safari echoes secluded community settlements, reinterpreted as a luxury camping and tourism experience. 

Seeking to build an eco-friendly community powered by green energy, MASK Architects has integrated Air to Water technology into each multi-modular living lodge structure. The system produces water from humidity, extracting and condensing moisture in the air to produce healthy, purified drinking. Air filters are placed inside wood covered aluminum lattice poles that parametrically encircle the facade of each lodge. Air and humidity then passes through these linear channels and is filtered, condensed, and processed through an additional multi-step filtration system in the system room.

While offering a distinct luxury and unique experience for the resort’s guests, the autonomous water network will at the same time serve those in Africa who are struggling with access to water; when enough purified water is collected, it will then be distributed to communities in need through a network.

a luxury safari camping experience inspired by the prehistoric Baobab tree

reconnecting with biodiversity and the environment

Raised 3.5 meters above ground and nestled into their engulfing natural environment, the shelters create a sense of security and serenity. Meanwhile, the feeling of floating high amid the tree line echoes MASK Architects’ concept to create these safari lodges as at one with the wildlife where thresholds between the indoors and outdoors are distorted. For a unique experience the pool has been integrated to the top floor, providing panoramic vistas of the safari zone. Along the lower boundary, an interaction balcony allows guests to feed the wildlife that roam around the settlements. Installed with toughened glass on the floors, these give a different perspective of the animals sheltered below. 

MASK Architects raises the pool to the top floor for panoramic vistas of the safari zone

The exterior structure is crafted from local beechwood to create a tropical safari resort. Around 40 structural pillars support the floors and also house the transparency glass and light-weight material in between. Designed for easy mobility, the modules are arranged in a formation that can self-sustain as an integrated community or create a larger eco-friendly community called ‘Eco Safari Lodges’. These structures have been designed to invite visitors to connect with nature and wildlife in a remote setting.

Inside, the lodges contain all amenities for a comfortable living experience. They can also be used in many different sectors, from housing, restaurants, bars, lounges, spa’s, offices, fitness and educational centers, staff facilities, security, watchtower posts, and more.

BAOBAB Luxury Safari Resort takes shape as a cluster of beechwood lodges

an interaction balcony allows guests to feed the wildlife that roam around the settlements

air filters are placed inside wood covered aluminum lattice poles that parametrically encircle the facades

the self-contained lodges are fitted with all amenities and their own energy sources

MASK Architects reinterprets community settlements as a luxury camping and tourism experience

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project info:

name: BAOBAB Luxury Safari Resort

location: Africa

architecture: MASK Architects

design team: Öznur Pınar Çer, Danilo Petta

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom