This international award winning project was devised by our French client who purchased several hundred thousands acres of farmland adjoining the existing national Karoo Preserve and extended its area by removing farm barb wire fencing and allowing the farmland to return to its natural habitat and ecosystem. The design team was challenged to develop a Wilderness Center and Nobel Laureate Retreat.

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With a NZE and zero carbon footprint goal the project was built from local labor and natural products form the surrounding hillside. Other then glass and lighting all components were made locally. Our team devised a naturally ventilated open building with cooling provided via radiant cooling from the boat shaped roof structure containing a roof pond that cools during the daytime and warms at night. Additional solar hot water and photovoltaic generated power served all the needs of the facility supporting living quarters, eating area, libraries and research center..