Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

Sand-Brick Sossusvlei Lodge in the Namib Desert Protects the Land, People and Wildlife

12/09/2011

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namib_Desert">Namib Desert</a> in Southwest Africa is by far one of the most beautiful, but ecologically-sensitive regions on earth. So when <a href="http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/luxury_safari/namibia/sossusvlei/and_beyond_sossusvlei_desert_reserve/conservation">&BEYOND built their Sossusvlei Lodge</a> just outside the majestic Namibrand Nature Reserve, they did everything they could to ensure the most negligible environmental impact possible. &BEYOND's Tarryn Gibson told us that "preventive initiatives are a priority" at Sossusvlei, and the building was tucked into the base of the mountain to protect against strong seasonal winds. Sourcing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building">building materials locally</a> were also a primary focus, in turn eliminating the project's resulting carbon footprint while offering employment opportunities for local communities. Keep reading to find out how one of the top stargazing destinations in the world protects the land, the people, and the wildlife.

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

The Namib Desert is one of the most beautiful but ecologically sensitive places in the world.

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

So when And Beyond built their lodge there, they took huge strides to mitigate its environmental impact

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

The sand bricks were sourced locally

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

By choosing local materials, the project's carbon footprint was slashed considerably

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

Local craftsmen had a chance to show off their skills

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

Rainwater is harvested, greywater is recycled, and other water is sourced from a strategically-placed well

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

All appliances are energy efficient

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

The decor is very African and minimalist, but still luxurious enough that you'll never want to leave

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

The rock used for the facades and walk ways were also sourced locally

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

There are no plunge pools and no gardens

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

Imagine taking a shower here, with this view?

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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Namibia

Everything has been designed to put nature first, and it is said that this is one of the top six stargazing destinations in the world.

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The Namib Desert in Southwest Africa is by far one of the most beautiful, but ecologically-sensitive regions on earth. So when &BEYOND built their Sossusvlei Lodge just outside the majestic Namibrand Nature Reserve, they did everything they could to ensure the most negligible environmental impact possible. &BEYOND's Tarryn Gibson told us that "preventive initiatives are a priority" at Sossusvlei, and the building was tucked into the base of the mountain to protect against strong seasonal winds. Sourcing building materials locally were also a primary focus, in turn eliminating the project's resulting carbon footprint while offering employment opportunities for local communities. Keep reading to find out how one of the top stargazing destinations in the world protects the land, the people, and the wildlife.

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