Zambia's Tongabezi Renovates Nut House Chalet

Here's a fun new accommodation for those looking to get far, far away from it all: Tongabezi, the  eco-lodge on the Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls in Zambia, has rebuilt the chalet known as the Nut House. For a a strong sense of place, the House has new furnishings and accessories created by African artisans. 

 

For example, the lighting fixtures include hand-made, recycled glass chandeliers and baobab string wall lamp shades from Malawian workshop Katundu; African raffia lampshades, Hessian blue lamps and pierced Moroccan lanterns. Original mud cloth rugs, Zambian leather cushions and Indigo fabrics from Mali all make up details in the room. The entryway is an antique studded door from Zanzibar, and original artwork includes paintings by Zimbabwean artist Soo Piercy and an unusual rolled, recycled book Africa piece from South African paper artist Keri Muller.

 
When creating the Nut House, the design team members learned how to create screed floors with Moroccan tile inlays; textured wall techniques; and carpentry skills in the making of a “funky range of matepe pole furniture.” 
 
The 1,000-square-foot Nut House includes a patio with a splash pool, lounge chairs and dining area overlooking the Zambezi.