CONTENDING WITH SOUTHERN AFRICA’S HARSHEST TERRAIN
The remote location of Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, deep in Namibia’s Kaokoveld region, presents a unique set of challenges. Four hours from the nearest village, unforgiving terrain beset by rocky escarpments and rolling sand dunes finds you deep in the dry plains of the Hoanib River valley. Searing daytime temperatures of 50°C drop to a frosty 8°C at night. Frequent sandstorms and the threat of rainy-season flash floods were all factored into the remarkable custom-built tent design created by Tenthouse Structures for Wilderness Safaris.
ULTRA-LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN THE DESERT
Each ingenious accommodation unit was set as a hybrid-pod structure with a protective, flexible membrane. Not only does it provide luxurious refuge from the elements but also award-winning contemporary design, keeping with the striking wilderness surrounds. To withstand the desert conditions over time with limited maintenance, the sustainable and economic design incorporates high-performance materials that were custom-engineered by Tenthouse Structures’ integrated team. Lightweight materials allowed for easy transportation, permitting rapid and cost-effective construction.
Sustainable engineering and a conservation-first approach gave us the opportunity to transfer skills to the local community and custodians of the Koakoveld.