Savannah Resort in Senegal
Programming Details and Site Plan
The resort layout and organization are mainly focused and correspond with the terrain levels. Larger buildings are on gentle slopes while the accommodation is on a steeper slope.
The Paths
The path organization is created according to contour lines. There are two main corridors. The first is the main path through the middle of the property, which is connected with all the accommodations, restaurants, and other activities. The second is the technical corridor, which runs along the west lot line behind the reception. This is an important corridor for staff and a supply corridor for the restaurant and the pool.
Parking area
The parking area at the bottom of the property has 36 parking lots. To create natural shade for the parking, trees have been incorporated into the parking raster. The main theme is a savanna/jungle resort, so there is no vast concrete parking space with no greenery. The first impression is crucial for visitors. A guardhouse is connected to the main road.
Reception and Outbuilding
The reception and offices are located at the bottom of the resort, where guests can check-in. Behind the reception is an outbuilding for a mechanical room, machines, storage, etc. Through the middle of the property, there is the main path.
Accommodation
South of the main path are Units 1 or Clay Villas; there are seven Clay Villas, each with two bedrooms and four beds, which can accommodate twenty-eight guests. Above the Clay Villas, on the top right of the property, are three Honeymoon Suites; there are seven Honeymoon Suites, each with one bedroom and one king-size bed, which can accommodate six guests. On top of the property, above the restaurant, are four Family Villas; each Villa has three bedrooms (six beds) and one living room which can easily switch to a bedroom if needed (sofa), and can accommodate thirty-six plus six guests. In total, the resort can accommodate seventy-six visitors.
Senegal wildlife area and petting zoo
Except for the restaurant and main pool, all other activities are at the bottom of the property. There is a playground for kids above the reception, and next to the reception is a petting baby zoo. Above the playground is the Senegal Wildlife Area, where visitors can be introduced to the Senegal wildlife; this area can be populated with animals such as gazelles, warthogs, monkeys, ostriches, large bird cages for smaller birds, and a terrarium for reptiles. Animals can bring the main value to the resort, and it is good for marketing. In the petting zoo are baby animals where children can learn something useful and play with them.
Pool
The main pool is located in the middle of the property, and it is connected to the restaurant. The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck, and there is a bar in the middle of the pool.
Restaurant
The restaurant is located in the middle of the property, and it is connected to the pool. The restaurant is a combination of an open-air restaurant and a covered restaurant. There is an open-air terrace, where guests can enjoy their meals in a pleasant atmosphere. The covered part of the restaurant is equipped with a bar and a kitchen.
Paths
The paths are designed according to the contour lines. There are two main paths. The first is the main path, which is connected with all the accommodations, restaurants, and other activities. The second is the technical corridor, which runs along the west lot line behind the reception. This is an important corridor for staff and a supply corridor for the restaurant and the pool. The paths are designed with a combination of wood and stone. The wood is used to create a natural atmosphere, and the stone is used for a more formal atmosphere.
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Master Plan
Design Keynotes
The main points for design development are terrain, view, privacy, nature, shade, and modernity. The terrain is steep towards the river delta, so the design should correspond with the terrain. Views will bring additional value. The main design element used as a privacy buffer is vertical slats. We wanted to bring nature into each unit, but we also had to consider privacy. Slats are not only used for privacy, but also for shading; this will lower the temperature inside the unit and can also be attractive as a design element. The unit is formed to be open to the view down the hill, which is one of the reasons for the pitched roof; another is to be a visual counterbalance to the slope of the terrain.
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