This way of thinking about design seeks out compassion and harmony with nature and invites introspection as part of the experience.
The architects honoured the camp’s heritage by using recycled and recyclable materials to build the new Time + Tide Chinzombo: the founder of the camp, conservationist Norman Carr promotes safaris that respect the environment, landscape and local traditions.
“[There is certain magic,] in the huge trees where bush buck and elephant wander in dappled shade or the echoes of the camp’s history; the joys and the losses.” —Christina Carr, Director of Norman Carr Safaris.
The camp’s history is connected to the desperate conservation efforts in Zambia’s Luongo Valley.
Normann Carr had made his first ventures into the Zambia’s bush in the 1970s and soon built his first permanent camp to wait out rainy seasons. Throughout, he has been involved in the conservation work, even donating the aging old camp to the Save The Rhino Trust.
He witnessed the decline of both elephants and black rhinos, and eventual extinction of the latter.
“Norman Carr Safaris welcomed new investors [whose] funds helped to pay for the final translocation of black rhino in to the thriving North Luangwa Rhino Re-introduction Project”—Christina Carr
Today, after decades of bad news the elephants are making a slow comeback and reintroduced to the National Park rhinos had a number of new births in recent years. And there is now a brand new camp in Luangwa.
Shaded by msikzi trees, set on a ridge that follows a C-shaped loop in the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Chinzombo combines modernist architectural forms, organic geometry, regional materials and indigenous Zambian building methods.
“We have refined the form for the bush-camp down to its most essential elements. This […] means we have been able to create a camp that is both architecturally innovative and ideally suited to the landscape in which it finds itself.” —Silvio Rech, architect.
The spacious villas, including one larger family villa, are all set generously apart from each other. Their sleek steel structures form a frame on which the Chinzombo’s modern sustainable design is built.
Local thatching techniques were used to construct the villas and a rectangular en-suite bathroom has canvas walls. The circular bedroom opens out onto the villa’s deck, outdoor lounge and private pool. A fast Wi-Fi comes as standard.
Time + Tide Chinzombo also has a dining lounge and library and tree-shaded pool and deck, with a winding foot path connecting them to the villas.
“Silvio and Lesley have created a sense of luxury and sophistication using materials unique to traditional Zambian buildings and with sensitivity to the environment. There is no other bush camp like it,” —Christina Carr
This high-end eco bush accommodation is set within 60 acres of private land with views over the Luangwa River. The area teems with wildlife and the camp has a private access to the South Luangwa National Park.
Time + Tide Chinzombo Camp has a luxurious yet understated look that does not try to compete with the surrounding landscape. A great place from which to explore the majestic wilds of the Luangwa in style, luxury and exclusivity.
For more information visit Norman Carr Safaris website.
All photos by Stevie Mann.
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 03/05/2021
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