[ Silver Discus - Digital Art by BRM ]
ECO-LODGES & FACILITIES |
An overview of the most basic concepts.
[ Silver Discus - Digital Art by BRM ]
ECO-LODGES & FACILITIES |
An overview of the most basic concepts.
Of course the main reason for an eco-lodge is to provide a base location with comfortable accommodations for ecotourists. So you are going to build an eco-lodge as close as possible to where the ecotourists want to go without disturbing the natural order of the local environment. Where do they want to go? Those unique places on this planet that provide interactive experiences with nature that are rare or unusual. Most are found in the remote wilderness areas of the world. What your guest desires; "To immerge ourselves into a primitive environment or experience".
In most cases the ecotourists are looking for a pristine environment and special encounters with nature. But what more do we need to set the mood and draw the guest into the experience? A good view from rustic facilities, 'natural' gardening, locally crafted art, regional music and food, etc. There is debate over the use of air-conditioning - is it required or desired? With the exception of desert locales without any foliage, air-conditioning is a detractor from the experience and unnecessary I have been in many steamy and hot tropical places around the world where the design and location of the lodge facilities made the stay quite comfortable without the use of air-conditioning (besides good cross ventilation they had ceiling fans). So if you build the facilities correctly the air-conditioning will not be needed.
It has been pointed out that the eco-lodge location should not be intrusive. That would mean keeping some distance between any native peoples and the lodge as well as staying apart from any environmentally sensitive areas, such as bird nesting grounds or game trails. The exception would be eco-lodges hosted by the indigenous peoples themselves - they might include the lodge within their community.
Normally any design that follows traditional style for the locality will give you a facility with great appeal and will be very practical for building. Your guests like the rustic appearance of natural materials and expect clean and comfortable accommodations. You can use the most primitive of materials and it will look great if it is kept clean and properly maintained. Knowledge of thermo dynamics can enhance any local designs to maximize cooling of the building's air (cross ventilation) and the heating of the shower water. The 'lost art' of evaporative cooling should be brought back too!
Every place on earth is unique and every lodge and it's facilities can be equally unique. If a swimming pool is wanted - make it a part of the natural surrounding environment. Often a lodge will be built near a stream with it's own 'swimming hole'. Having an abundance of local plants in a natural setting is expected - avoid lawns and that 'manicured' look with the landscaping. Having a natural grass field is great for the various wildlife that it will draw. Other small animal and bird feeders can be used to increase the acceptance of the lodge's presence by the local wildlife and gives your guests more viewing opportunities. But this must be done with care so that there are no unwanted animals or insects drawn near the facilities. Since most tropical mammals are nocturnal, the best chance to see them is at night - with night vision glasses. It is extremely fascinating to see the abundance of animals and their frantic activities at night. Equally important is the fact that viewing the animals this way does not disturb their activities or drive them away.
Unless you are accommodating very large groups, it is best to seat everyone at specific times for meals, using as few tables as possible. The ideal is one long dinning room table capable of seating everyone at once. Everyone is here at the lodge in a sharing experience, and what better way to share the adventures of the day - or a lifetime. A well stocked library that includes all the important field guides is a must, as well as some sort of outside communication. Satellite phones are not that expensive, so for the guest to 'be out of touch' should be a voluntary situation, but mandatory.
For some the quite hours are spent in conversation or reading, but others will want access to card games, chess, darts, etc. with a well stocked bar near by. To help avoid excessive or late drinking, the bar should be locked up at an early hour. Those who feel discriminated against with this rule will figure out other arrangements.
A room for lectures and video presentations is highly desirable. In this manner the supportive materials for the subjects of study can be presented in a comfortable environment before any activities begin The guests will have a greater appreciation of what they see and do on their outing if they are prepared for their experiences beforehand.
