Discover the eco-friendly architecture and design project by Nomadic Resorts – the Looper suites for Wild Coast Tented Lodge, a creative eco-resort in Sri Lanka.
The Looper is a customizable luxury accommodation pod developed by Nomadic Resorts for the (eco) hospitality – sustainable resort and hotel industry. This tensile membrane structure is designed for the rapid construction of eco-resorts, wellness retreats, and wilderness camps in isolated and/or environmentally sensitive sites. The first Looper suites were commissioned by Wild Coast Tented Lodge (WCTL), a unique 36-tent safari camp. This eco-resort is located near Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka.
Photo – Resplendent Ceylon
The architecture, landscape design, and construction project is signed by the design team of Nomadic Resorts – Olav Bruin, with Louis Thompson & Freddie Catlow. The bespoke interior was created by the design team of Bo Reudler Studio – Bo Reudler, with Mandy Finke, Oana Tudose, Maddalena Gioglio, Daniela Oliveira, Nele Teerlinck.
Sustainable Architecture and Design Project for the Hospitality – Hotel, and Resort Industry
Nomadic Resorts, an interdisciplinary design & project development company, wanted to create a sustainable development model for the hospitality – hotel, and resort industry. This sustainable architecture and design project has the comforts of a luxury hotel room and safety/durability for application in extreme environments. It aims to use as little material as possible to create a secure internal environment with minimal physical footprint; utilize sustainable and efficient technologies and recyclable materials while providing the highest level of luxury; and enhance the guest’s experience of nature. Prefabricating it offsite allows for a fast and efficient assembly process onsite.
Photo – Marc Hernandez Folguera
The creative result is a modular 42m2 cocoon-like pod composed of intersecting steel arches enveloped in a weather-resistant tensile membrane structure. It accommodates 28m2 of bedroom/living room and a 14m2 bathroom with bath and shower.
The entire structure and surrounding deck are elevated on stilts to allow wildlife and water to pass below. Generous arched openings at front and rear, clad with low-E double-glazing, provide uninterrupted vistas of the natural surroundings, complemented by framed side views from the porthole windows, which were fabricated by luxury yacht makers. The interior, outdoor living areas, and sustainability measures such as PV panels, solar hot water, and rainwater collection systems can also be customized depending on the needs of the client and site conditions. The Loopers can be disassembled and relocated, as and when required.
Photo – Marc Hernandez Folguera
Resembling a Leopard Paw Print
At WCTL in Sri Lanka, the Loopers are clustered in a meandering natural landscape that stretches from the bushland to the sandy beach. Resembling a leopard paw print, each cluster overlooks a watering hole designed to attract wildlife. Yala National Park is also called a leopard country. According to the Yala National Park’s website, in the mentioned NP, there is “a leopard density that’s higher than anywhere else on this planet”.
Photo – Resplendent Ceylon
Interior Design Concept – Steampunk Style
Four beachfront villas feature private plunge pools. The interior design concept combines ecological luxury and local elegance with a contemporary touch. It captures a sense of exploration and adventure associated with steampunk style, airships and safari, and campaign tents. The arched interior feels cocooning yet spacious, with all elements meticulously designed to accommodate the curvature of the fabric-lined walls. Central to the main interior space is a four-poster bed and bespoke campaign furniture that evokes bygone eras of discovery.
Photo – Marc Hernandez Folguera
In the open bathroom, guests bathing in the freestanding solid copper bath can enjoy private views of the bushland behind. Noble materials such as copper, brass, and plantation teak will age gracefully while local textiles add colorful accents. For Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Nomadic Resorts designed 28 Looper suites and 8 Urchin children’s pods, smaller tented pods intended for families in combination with a Looper or as a separate unit. Its interior has a similar look and feel, and guests bathe with the elements in the outdoor shower.
Photo – Marc Hernandez Folguera
Currently, new Loopers are being customized for other eco-resort projects around the world.
About the Architects and Designers
Nomadic Resorts is an interdisciplinary design & project development company, specialized in the hospitality industry, with offices in the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and South Africa. Using a holistic approach, they create sustainable resort and residential projects that fit organically into their natural surroundings. NR team believes that designs should serve as a bridge to connect nature, culture, and people.
Bo Reudler Studio is an office for design based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Led by Dutch designer Bo Reudler, the studio designs and produces interiors, furniture, and products from the starting point of (natural) materials and processes.
Photo – Marc Hernandez Folguera
A few more information about the project:
Client – Resplendent Ceylon
Environmental & MEP Engineering – XC02 Energy
Lighting Consultant – Robert Jan Vos
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