Chinzombo, Luangwa Bush Camp, Architect, Africa Design

Chinzombo, Africa : Luangwa Bush Camp

New African Architecture – design by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens

1 Nov 2012

Chinzombo Zambia

Design: Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens

Luangwa, Africa

Norman Carr Safaris (NCS) today revealed details of the first “wildly luxurious” sustainable bush camp in Zambia’s game-rich Luangwa. Scheduled to open in March 2013, the Chinzombo camp is being designed by acclaimed architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the visionaries behind North Island in the Seychelles and Little Vumbura Camp, an eco-luxe lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The architects’ signature style is low-impact eco design, using sustainably sourced materials as well as local building methods and craftspeople.

image from architects

Chinzombo represents another step in the evolution of the Rech and Carsten luxury bush camp design philosophy. For the first time, modernist architectural forms are being combined with the organic geometry and regional materials of indigenous Zambian building methods to create a new, groundbreaking type of bush camp.

Built on the site of one of Norman’s original camps, Chinzombo comprises six WiFi-equipped spacious villas, one with capacity to accommodate a family of five. The villas, which appear to float over the landscape, are nestled within the shade of ancient trees on a ridge which follows a loop in the Luangwa River. Minimalist in design, the villas’ modern steel-framed structures contrast with the natural materials used in the décor and interiors.

image from architects

The villas contain large, cooled bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and private plunge pools on shady decks overlooking the Luangwa River. Materials are natural, including locally-produced leather, reed-work and canvas while floors are made of recycled composite timber. There is little concrete or brick, and the décor features raw linen, timber, copper and hand-made crockery. Local weavers, pottery makers and carvers have been commissioned to create many of the interiors.

A winding foot path shaded by mahogany trees connects the accommodation and lounge/dining area. Fitness fanatics will find a yoga and exercise area and spa facilities; nature lovers will appreciate a place where both wildlife and natural vegetation flourish, unhindered by vast tracts of landscaping, game fences, roads or other man-made installations.

Chinzombo honours its history: conservationist Norman Carr promulgated experiencing the African bush while respecting both the natural landscape and local traditions. Today his philosophy is called “sustainable tourism.”

Chinzombo Luangwa Bush Camp – Building Information

6 Villas, one designed for families
Opening: March 1, 2013
Open year round
1-hour from Mfuwe Airport
Private access by boat from South Luangwa National Park
Wi-Fi in each villa
Cooled sleeping areas
Cutting-edge green power and waste technology
Only sustainably sourced or recycled and recyclable construction materials

Chinzombo Luangwa Bush Camp images / information received 011112

Location: Luangwa, Zambia, Africa

African Building