Aldabra House

Location: Aldabra, Seychelles

Client: Seychelles Islands Foundation

Sector: Transport

Cost: $20m

Status: Stage 3

Team

M&E: Ritchie+Daffin

Exhibition Designer: Real Studios

Structural Engineer: Arup

Quantity Surveyor: Hooloomann

Local Architect: Harry Tyrant

As an inaccessible, protected site Aldabra holds a place in the imagination of all Seychellois. Due to the remoteness of the atoll, however, the vast majority of Seychellois and visitors have never an opportunity to visit the atoll, building arguments for the development of a remote access visitor centre - Aldabra House.

The main aims of the visitor centre are to increase public access to Aldabra, raise awareness and visibility of Aldabra and its importance as a natural heritage site of Seychelles and the world, and to diversify and increase sustainable financing mechanisms for the site.

Aldabra House includes the following facilities:

  • Experience Aldabra - indoor interpretation and education exhibition
  • Expedition to Aldabra - outdoor interpretation and an area for tortoises
  • Cafe/Restaurant
  • Souvenir Shop
  • New Headquarters for the Seychelles Island Foundation
  • Conference and Education centre

Accommodation for visitors and SIF staff

Visitor estimates are around 10,000 local resident visitors and 200,000 tourist visitors to Aldabra House per year. The average daily number of tourists visiting Aldabra House per day would be 150-175 assuming the centre is open for 7 days per week. Tourists would be charged an entrance fee while local residents would be able to experience Aldabra House and grounds free of charge.

The proposed design has been developed to reflect the uniqueness, and universal value, of Aldabra as a World Heritage Site.

The design incorporates the following principles of sustainability and features:

  • Maximised renewable energy
  • Maximised use of energy efficient technologies (covering 50% of predicted energy consumption)
  • Innovative and optimised use of environmental technologies and engineering
  • Highly efficient/alternative air-conditioning system
  • Use of natural lighting and ventilation
  • Use of sustainable/re-used building materials
  • Sustainable water and waste management