New York, NY
This complex of ecotourist buildings, adjacent to the Kageno Worldwide’ Community Center, also designed by SPG, will consist of a number of bungalows, and ultimately an eco-lodge, where visitors to the village of Banda, the Kageno Community Center, and significantly, the nearby Nyungwe Forest can find well-conceived and well-appointed lodging, simultaneously bringing much needed income to the region. The bungalows will be built first, and shall consist of a variety of bedroom configurations with indoor and outdoor living areas, some with bathrooms and some with nearby bathing pavilions.
The lodge will consist of a small restaurant, a shop selling local wares, and quarters for trained nature guides that will assist visitors to more fully enjoy the ecological beauty of the nearby National Forest. All of these proposed buildings are sustainably conceived, with solar arrays on the roof, water collection systems and dry toilets that will allow for composting with no waste of water resources. Broad overhangs and natural ventilation taking advantage of the flow up air on the hillside location with add comfort to the shelters.
By bringing jobs and outside income to the Banda community, this project is not only environmentally sustainable but capable of making the entire community and region more economically sustainable as well.
Status: Under Construction
Location: Banda, Rwanda
Firm Role: Architect