African project
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge – Botswana
Cemcrete’s MatCrete – usually a layering system to create waterproof structures
such as ponds, dams, etc. – was then tested to see how successful it would be as a
wall structure. After multiple meetings, tests and prototypes Cemcrete, FTK Design
& Development and DSA Architects finally developed a specification that met all
the design and performance criteria. The MatCrete walls played a dual role in
waterproofing the chalets, as well as providing the longevity that was required.
The unique design of the lodge was inspired by the soft flowing lines of the Okavango
Delta’s waterways, which is clearly evident in the final design. The depth and
flexibility of Cemcrete blends in perfectly with the surroundings.
The dark grey colour scheme was achieved by using Cemcrete’s MatCrete in Charcoal
and SatinCrete Graphite, a colour designed specifically for this project and has now
become part of the SatinCrete colour range. CreteStain Black was used to intensify the
colour of the graphite walls even further. The tastefully paired grey tones with copper
accents, could set a new design trend for African lodges.
The application team from Lodge Builders Botswana were faced with a few
difficulties of their own. Even small things like getting the products to site proved
to be more challenging than they thought. The build took place during Botswana’s
flooding season and with the location being so isolated it was literally off the grid,
creating some logistical challenges. To resolve this challenge the building team had
onsite trackers for whenever a truck got stuck; with the roads often turning into
rivers.
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Back-of-house
FTK design and develop for entrepreneurs and established companies in the Safari,
Lodge and Boutique Hotel Industry. They specialise in working in remote locations
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