The Place Resort, Sierra Leone
“70 untrained men, 100 days to offload 120 x 40 ft containers, learn how to use power tools for the first time, learn and understand how to assemble steel frame construction and how to apply and finish all external claddings and windows. A credit to the men and the design.”
2012 Design and supply of 'THE PLACE' Resort, Tokeh Beach, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
This entailed 55 villas, 1600 sq/m two-story restaurant, and 600 sq/m free-spanning reception centre. Additional to the design and supply of materials, we supplied all of the required tooling, safety gear, construction machinery required for the project.
Furthermore, as there was nothing in the country to support this type of construction method, part of our contract was to travel to Sierra Leone and train the local men on how to build with this type of first world-building technology. Dean and his two sons spent four months in Sierra Leone training and guiding the local men and engineers as to how to construct using this type of building method.
In 100 days of work, 55 villas were constructed to lock–up level and the local men were taught how to use all of the necessary tools and machines to go on and complete the project over the next 18 months.
What was achieved by the local men was a testament to the way the project was designed. Our consultation assessed very early on what the weaknesses and strengths were, and materials selections to suit and then applied design so that those materials worked to give the desired architectural outcome.
The impact this project had on the esteem and wellbeing of the local men and their families, as well as the economic value it added to the local community over that 18 months of construction, is immeasurable.
