5 minute read
Treading Lightly to Inspire and Impact
Tenthouse Structures is once again the Gold Sponsor for Eco Resort Network 2024. We speak to founder and CEO Brendan O'Molony about his current projects, collaborations and how Africa continues to inspire the company's commitment to a lightweight future for hospitality.
WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN SINCE WE SAW YOU LAST IN MONTENEGRO?
It has been a busy and thrilling year for us. Some of the projects we are working on currently include two turnkey projects with Envi Lodges in Oman, a beachcomber camp overlooking the sea of Cortez in Baja in Mexico, two turnkey camps in the Kalahari Khamab Reserve South Africa, a turnkey ultra luxury lodge for Anantara/ Minor group on the Kafue riverbank in Zambia and the stylish refurb of Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino camp in Namibia.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT ANY PARTICULAR RESORTS YOU ARE WORKING WITH WHICH ARE DOING SOMETHING INTERESTING AND DIFFERENT?
All our resort projects are unique in their own way. Two highlights are:
The Envi Lodges in Oman - one on the 2000m Al Akhdar plateau and the other on the glamorous shores of Al Sifah; each with distinct and challenging technical environments. which of course we relish! These 40 key camps will offer refuge from the desert environment, cradled by mountains and wadis whilst providing for very carefully planned user experiences.
Another project being the remarkable new Kafue Anantara lodge (set to open end 2024) set along a dense African riverine forest band. With its ten sumptuous villas and two treehouses elevated upon 10-20ft elevated platforms and walkways, the generous sweeping rooflines with daylighting features distinguish the design as a piece of iconic new tent architecture.
AS THE MAIN SPONSOR OF THE MONTENEGRO ECO RESORT NETWORK – WHAT WERE YOUR TAKEHOMES FOLLOWING THE EVENT IN MAY?
We were truly inspired by the dedication and passion of all the delegates who attended the conference. The commitment to sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible practices is nothing short of admirable and it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals who share our values.
In addition, the possibilities to collaborate, to grow our markets and diversify into other applications are abundant. The event served to further support our vision that THS’s path towards a lightweight future in outdoor hospitality is well grounded.
IN TERMS OF GLOBAL TRENDS – ARE YOU NOTICING ANY PARTICULAR REGIONS OR STYLES OF RESORT WHICH ARE BECOMING MORE TALKED ABOUT?
The integration of local cultural elements and sustainable practices has become a hallmark of eco luxury resorts, offering travellers a unique and environmentally conscious experience. Additionally, the use of innovative designs and cutting-edge technology to minimize the environmental impact is gaining traction globally.
From a tented architecture point of view, we are finding this is very much in demand, especially in regions that are situated in locations of natural beauty, as more and more people desire to be “close to nature” and are looking to visit resorts that offer access to the great outdoors.
WE WILL BE BASED IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT FOR OUR NEXT EVENT WHICH YOU HAVE GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO SPONSOR AGAIN – WHAT CAN OUR DELEGATES LEARN FROM THEIR AFRICAN COUNTERPARTS WHEN IT COMES TO LUXURY OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY?
The African continent provides a rich tapestry of inspiration for luxury outdoor hospitality and sustainability. Many African resorts have seamlessly blended modern luxury with traditional elements, creating a harmonious connection with nature. The use of locally sourced materials and a strong emphasis on community engagement throughout the chain: investor, operator and guest experience) are valuable lessons that can be applied globally.
Furthermore, Africa’s commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-friendly practices, evident in various safari lodges and nature reserves, showcases a model of sustainable tourism that fosters environmental preservation while delivering a highend experience.
Looking back at some of the projects we have been privileged to work on, Somalisa & Somalisa Acacia, Xigera, DumaTau, Thorntree River Lodge, Noka Camp, to name a few, have been recognised for their combination of design, authentic guest experience offering and sustainability focused practices.
What stands out for us is:
How the overall structural design and aesthetic blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment – the focus being on passive and low energy strategies and minimal environmental impact of the overall design-build model.
Unique guest experiences tailored to their guest profile and complimentary to the location.
Integration/involvement with local communities, sustainable operating practices, and CSR initiatives.
A MASSIVE $23BN HAS BEEN PLEDGED AT THE RECENT AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT FOR GREEN PROJECTS – HOW CRUCIAL DO YOU THINK THIS INVESTMENT WILL BE IN MAKING AFRICA A MAJOR PLAYER IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE?
This substantial investment should drive a significant shift towards sustainable development practices across the continent.
These funds can be directed into renewable energy projects, afforestation initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure, bolstering Africa’s capacity to address environmental challenges.
It not only underscores Africa’s determination to tackle climate change but also opens doors for collaborations, technological advancements, and knowledge exchange on a global scale and signifies a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the entire continent.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES IN 2024?
Continued focus on developing our sustainable practices, technology and delivering standout design and engineering, offering our clients flexible turkey solutions from project architecture, through to design, supply and install of the highest quality tensile structures. With our deep know-how in remote resort development underpinned by our product capability; from the outset we aim to design-to-budget rather than the other way around providing developers and investors an accelerated design-build model.
With bold expansion ambitions beyond Africa, into the Middle East, the USA and the Americas, Europe and Asia, you can expect to see the advantages of the Tenthouse brand delivered in flexible turnkey solutions bringing to bear on the global glamping market.
