The Kisawa Sanctuary project aims to celebrate Mozambique's culture, community and environment and seek a connection to culture and nature
Kisawa sanctuary in Mozambique
An island is the last place you can imagine technology. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, home to an ecosystem, Beguerra Island is also the location of the first resort with 3D printed building parts: Kisawa Sanctuary.
The island of Beguerra is located fourteen kilometers off Mozambique on the east coast of Africa. Beguerra Island is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of six islands in Mozambique, near the coastal town of Vilankulo. A national park since 1971 and currently also a WWF Marine National Park, it is home to the richest and unexplored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by high sand dunes, the area is home to more than 145 species of birds, including killer whales, manta rays, dugongs, whales, sharks, marlins and dolphins.
Thanks to its warm and crystal clear waters, the island is a nursery for whales and home to five species of turtles. It was in this area that founder Nina Flohr decided to build the Kisawa sanctuary. Your project aims to celebrate Mozambique's culture, community and environment while seeking a deep connection with culture and nature.
Kisawa's bungalows
The resort has twelve beach bungalows. They are divided into one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and Kisawa residence. The buildings are realized through a special element created from the island's own sand and salt water. The sand-based material is used in two different ways. In fact, it is used on various building elements to create a tactile finish. The same conglomerate is also the base material for a patented 3D sand printing technology. The mortar is therefore printed into individually specified building elements, from masonry to flooring and tiling. In addition, the 3D printer is also part of object creation and interior design.
It is the first place where 3D technology was used in construction. All bungalows are set within their own grounds, offering minimal disturbance and maximum appreciation of the natural surroundings. From the outside, the bungalow is reminiscent of a traditional hut with its thatched roof and rounded shape. But at the same time a shape that is reminiscent of a science fiction film. Two buildings characterize the individual bungalows. The larger one with the rooms and the small one as a day area, for dinner and relaxation. All bungalows have an outdoor area, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool.
Natural wellness center
In addition, the resort has a standalone spa, the Natural Wellness Center, which specializes in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic offerings. The design is inspired by traditional Mozambican houses. The spa offers a range of treatments including massages and detox treatments.
Next to it is the Kisawa gym, fully equipped and air-conditioned. The gym has yoga and Pilates corners, as well as the 25-meter-long Lagoon Pool, an organic swimming pool surrounded by dunes, perfect for swimming or relaxing after a day of activities. All services allow guests to feel relaxed and carefully looked after.
The 3D technology of the Bazuro Center for Scientific Studies
Founder Nina Flohr also worked to limit the resort's impact on the surrounding environment with the help of her sister's charitable project, the Bazuro Center for Scientific Studies. The center is at the opposite end of the island. It is an innovative platform that houses the first permanent ocean observatory focused on the study of multiple ecosystems in Africa.
The center also uses the Sanctuary's 3D printers for buildings and furniture to print sand coral reefs and marine habitats. As an adversary to nature, technology is increasingly becoming a valuable ally these days. 3D technology is used to recreate marine habitats or sustainable buildings and is also becoming a new essential component for research and architecture of the future.
Kisawa Sanctuary
Benguerra Island Inhambane, 1304, Mozambique
Kisawa Sanctuary is the first resort to have parts of its buildings 3D printed. Its location, the island of Beguerra, is fourteen kilometers off Mozambique on the east coast of Africa.
