This Eco Resort Pulls Water Out Of The Air With Transparent Solar Devices
By Alexa Heah, 21 Jan 2023
From MASK Architects comes the world’s first safari resort that produces its own water, with cutting-edge autonomous technology that literally pulls moisture from the air using transparent solar devices.
Unlike other luxury escapades, the project isn’t just setting out to be an indulgent getaway but also aims to come up with innovative, sustainable, and environmentally-conscious solutions to one major problem: the lack of clean water.
Although a basic need for all humans, it’s unfortunate that clean water may be a luxury rather than an accessible commodity for some in the world. As such, the minds behind the development want to contribute to African communities that lack water.
Each living lodge within the resort will have its curtain glass covered in transparent solar panels, equipped with technology with dehumidification techniques to produce purified drinking water with moisture from the air.
According to the firm, air filters inside the wood-covered aluminum poles surrounding each module will channel air into the fixture, where linear lattice stripes will then extract humidity from the air to be filtered and condensed.
Once the water collected in the central tanks reaches a certain level, it will then be transmitted to regions in Africa lacking water through a delivery network.
Aside from producing water, the BAOBAB Safari Lodges will also be self-sustaining, setting aside plots of land to grow fruits and vegetables, as well as facilities to make and sell food, including cheese, bread, meat, and milk.
Of course, as a luxury resort, it’s not skimping on furnishings either. Each hut will comprise a living room, working area, bedroom, private 98-square-foot pool, and a plunge deck complete with an outdoor shower.
To provide an unforgettable view and protect wildlife in the area, the company says the lodges will be raised 3.5 meters (11.4 feet) to nestle into the natural surroundings, allowing guests to experience living up among the trees.
“The idea of creating these luxury eco safari lodges is to be able to bring more people to have interest in wildlife and to experience living in areas secluded and remote with the wildlife,” MASK Architects explains.
“It is seen as a luxury to experience it, but also it can educate and elevate people’s understanding of nature and wildlife. … While the animals below take advantage of the shade, the viewers can view the wildlife from above.”
[via Interesting Engineering and MASK Architects, images via MASK Architects]