Social credentials:
The architectural design was kept within the local vernacular, using ancient techniques, adding value to those local traditions. 100% local workforce was used including local artisans whose skills were used and developed upon equipping our workforce with new, transferable skills.
The procurement of local materials was not only environmentally sound but created economic opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and retained the lodge's investment as close to the lodge as possible.
Through development of the bandas, two new enterprises were established; making ceramic tiles and mud blocks. The ceramic group gave over thirty women a years' work but also, and perhaps more significantly, aided in reviving the traditional art of pot-making. Local tailors have also been kept busy with soft furnishings, including mosquito nets, cushions and hammocks.
If you like 'Grand Designs' you'll LOVE Guludo!
Never before has luxury gone so effortlessly hand-in-hand with soially, culturally and environmentally- sound architecture. The new bandas are not only breathtaking and extravagant, but also bring enormous benefit to the local region.
Eco credentials:
Using a blend of traditional and cutting-edge technologies the bandas have an exceptionally high environmental integrity. Materials have been kept local with low embodied energy, meaning little energy used in thier production and transport.
The design negated the need for air conditioning. Thick, cement-free walls with a high thermal mass "breath" causing the inside of the bandas to always remain noticeably cooler. In addition, the palm-thatched high roof channels the fresh sea breeze into the banda creating a natural haven away from the African sun.
Other eco-features include: a thermal siphon using solar radiation for 'on tap' hot water, recycled car tyre strips hold the roof together and minimal cement only used where completely necessary, for example in the loo chambers, with less than 5 bags used for each banda. The banda was designed so that if the lodge ceased to exist, the African bush would once again take claim and eventually leave no trace behind.
