13th March 2019 | IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedInThis week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a sustainable and luxuriously designed African lodge for Wilderness Safaris‘ Premier Camp, Mombo. The spacious tent-like lodges afford sweeping views over a floodplain teeming with wildlife, so curating an authentic design scheme that combined traditional elements with modern elegance was essential to truly embrace the essence of Mombo. Deconstructed furniture in classic styles, antique brass finishing, vintage leathers, copper lighting combined with marble and oak floors were all used. A tonal colour palette throughout reiterates the longevity of the interior design. A mix of mismatched – yet complementary – wooden furniture all works together to feature a collection of pieces sourced over the years, resulting in a personalised feel. Space was also a key factor in creating the new design, with each tented suite now comprising an expansive entrance, a sitting room with a bar unit, a separate bedroom and bathroom with a dressing area, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub that creates a sense of indulgence. Company: Artichoke Project: Mombo Project Location: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana What was the client’s brief? Wilderness Safaris wanted the lodge to have longevity and to rebuild a camp in such a way to maintain the Mombo traditions and history stretching back nearly 30 years, yet rebuilding to the highest and most innovative standards. The client’s brief was to create an environment within the camp where nothing of the stylish, traditional appeal is lost as this Lodge became the flagship of the Premier Facilities of this camp. It was important to continue to offer repeat guests a level of uniqueness to which they had become accustom, but at the same time introduce features that brings the Lodge up to date. What inspired the interior design of the project? The history of this prestigious Lodge was a great source of inspiration where an existing blueprint called for the revival of the prestigious structure. This enabled me to make my mark on this iconic camp whilst remaining sympathetic to the essence and nature of the surrounding areas. What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project? The location of the camp caused difficulties particularly relating to the logistics of transporting solid marble bathroom vanities on rudimentary roads through Africa, so this become a significant hurdle we had to overcome. Delivering furnishing items is always a challenge in the Delta. In the re-appointment of Mombo, there were many natural geographic obstacles which arose! The curved structure of this Lodge was also a project element which presented some interesting challenges. What was your team’s highlight of the project? Simply just to have had the opportunity to complete a historian rebuild of not only one of the oldest lodges in Botswana, but also one of the most iconic facilities constructed in the African Wilderness. Working on the client’s flagship property was a privilege. Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards? It is well known that participation in the prestigious SBID Award programme is a privilege as one’s team is considered to be amongst the finest on the planet. Questions answered by Caline Williams-Wynn owner of Artichoke If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a bold and striking pavilion designed to mark the launch of a make-up collection by II Makiage, click here to see more. We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire SBID International Design Awards 2018