Melote House is a fully off-grid safari lodge in South Africa, where sustainability and ecological sensitivity are at the fore. The curved design follows the contours of the hill it sits in. Everything taken out from the hill was put back in through the rammed earth walls. Green roofs return the land area occupied by the structures, while rocks from the site are repurposed to create natural berms, It is landscaped with indigenous South African shrubbery and grasses.
The design allows for natural thermal stability and reduced use of energy consumption; the earth cools the structures naturally, and open-air circulation allows cross ventilation through the buildings.
All power at Melote House is generated sustainably on-site using photovoltaic panels, with innovative heating and cooling systems that minimize energy consumption. Advanced automation technologies further enhance efficiency. These systems allow rooms to be placed on standby mode, drastically reducing power usage, while also optimizing water consumption and climate control as needed.
The site uses an efficient combined space, underfloor heating and water heating technology in order to minimize power consumption in the suites.
Standard skylights were transformed into water-filled features, creating a natural pan for wildlife to access. A planted roof was introduced to help regulate interior temperatures, providing effective insulation against the intense African sun while blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
The suites are heated and cooled through heat pumps and fan coil units that vastly reduce the energy consumption of the site overall. The smart automation system scans the suites, and when unoccupied, the room enters a shut down mode; where curtains are closed, cooling is suspended and lights are turned off, allowing for energy waste to be avoided.
Serious consideration was given to ensure minimal light pollution and with the use of carefully selected fittings, timers and automation this has been achieved.
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