Page 15 - Landscape-Issue159

PROJECT

Pathways are clearly defined with rock packing along edges to keep people out of the protected areas

Rock berms were created in areas where privacy is needed

millennia by the shear weight and force
of the Zambezi River. In human terms, it
has presented a significant impediment to
traversing the lands between Zimbabwe
and Zambia. For the intrepid few, crossing
the gorge became their sole focus.
The fortitude of these explorers formed
the conceptual approach to Bupenyu
Lodge. The architecture regularly
dominates views, either through pure pass
or too many flourishes. The approach was
to minimise the structure in the guests’
line of site, outwards and over the gorge.
This was achieved through cantilevering
the structures with steel cables from large
gumpole columns behind each building,
and was intended to culminate in the
unspoilt view of this striking landscape.”
Protecting the landscape
Early on in the project, pathways were
laid out by the architects, landscaper and
construction company to keep people out
of the protected landscape as much as
possible. These were clearly defined with
rock packing along the pathway edges,
and quarry stone crusher was placed on
the walkways to make the flow of traffic
easier and more functional. The main
pathway leading behind the rooms is two
meters wide and has a number of turning
circles along the route so that a golf cart
can be used for easy access around the site.
Pathways to the rooms are slightly narrower
A pathway behind the rooms is wide enough to allow golf carts easy access around the lodge and weave in between the rocks and past

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