Construction of Banjaar Tola, India, set to leave the lightest of footprints
15 Jan 2008
Taj Safaris' third jungle safari lodge, Banjaar Tola, set to open later this year, will be situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. The building of this lodge is well underway, and will leave the lightest of footprints.
The suites, which open onto private decks overlooking the River Banjaar, are set on raised structures supported at only 7 points on the ground, allowing natural growth and drainage under all the buildings. This building methodology dramatically reduces the impact on the environment compared to conventional building using concrete and brick. A responsible solution to cooling the tents will also be employed at Banjaar Tola. Instead of conventional electrical units, the tents are designed with double layers of canvas with insulation materials and air gaps to keep them cool. To warm the tents in winter, hot water destined for the bathrooms will be piped under the insulated bamboo floor. The eco friendly air-conditioning system uses a reversible cycle to efficiently deliver both cooling and heating. Electricity usage will further be reduced by the use of energy saving lights, gas-based water heating, solar heated swimming pool, and solar powered outdoor lights.
Small but sensitive interventions in the natural landscape will help conserve the land and its features, such as monitoring soil erosion, introducing indigenous species of trees and natural channels of water drainage.
Banjaar Tola, epitomizes the design mastery of Sanjay Prakash, a renowned Indian environmental architect. Sanjay is deeply committed to energy-conscious architecture, eco-friendly design and people's participation in planning. His area of practice and research over the last 25 years includes passive and low energy architecture, hybrid air-conditioning, autonomous energy and water systems, earth construction and community-based design of common property. This project seeks to maximize the positive impacts on the local environment with a minimum ecological footprint, combined with ultimate contemporary design.
Contact us for your responsible safari in Africa
By choosing one of CC Africa's 40 lodges in 16 different locations throughout Africa 's wilderness highspots, you can make a small but meaningful difference. Embark on a CC Africa tailormade safari and help Africa, its environment, people and wildlife.
