Page 6 - Landscape-Issue147

PROJECT

MELOTE LODGE, LIMPOPO

Melote Lodge in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve was designed using eco-conscious
elements such as rammed earth walls, living roof gardens and on-site renewable
energy sources. It blends seamlessly into the landscape environment of the Waterberg
region of Limpopo Province.

Overview of Melote Lodge in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, blending into
the natural environment of the Waterberg region

he client’s brief called for the building to naturally blend in
with the environment so that it cannot be seen from any other
Tvantage point within the reserve.
The design concept and installation were a combined effort
between landscaper Gordon Kershaw, architects Black Sable,
environmental consultants Nuleaf Planning and Environmental and
the main contractor, Mike Buyskes Construction. This evolved from
day one as soon as the mammoth task of excavating the hillside
began. The hillside consisted of giant rock boulders which had to be
removed and relocated to areas where they would later be used in
the landscape to put the hill back together again so that it looked
as natural as possible. Boulders that were too large to be moved had
to be broken using chemical drilling, as no blasting is allowed in the
reserve.
The lodge from the viewing deck, showing the rock boulder wall hiding the
electric fence Environmental aspects
Prior to any construction taking place, an environmental impact
assessment (EIA) was conducted by Nuleaf Planning and
Project Team Environmental in order to obtain environmental authorisation
Client: Lepogo Lodges, South Africa and to ensure that the lodge would have a minimal impact on the
Architects: Black Sable Designs proclaimed Lapalala Wilderness Reserve.
Main Contractor: Mike Buyskes Construction An important aspect of the EIA and auditing process undertaken
Landscape Design and Installation: Gordon Kershaw was to seamlessly integrate the environmental sensitivities of the site
Environmental Consultants: Nuleaf Planning and Environmental together with the needs of the development.
Once the development footprint had been set out, the landscape

4 Landscape SA • Issue 147 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za