GLH

Witklipfontein Eco Lodge

GLH – ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FIRM OF THE YEAR 2020

GLH has been granted an award for the Architecture and Design Firm of the Year 2019/2020. The accolade was granted by the SA Professional Services Awards sponsored by Sanlam and W. Consulting.

Professionals from various organisations were set to gather at a gala dinner in Montecasino Ball Room on the evening of 19 March 2020 to honour the best amongst them. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SAPSA Awards were cancelled and the winners announced.

Janette Minnaar, the chair of the adjudication panel explained how the winners were determined.

“Individuals were judged based on a host of attributes including demonstration of leadership skills, changing of paradigms and innovation within the bounds of available resources. We also conferred a number of Lifetime Achievement Awards to deserving recipients who had served their professions faithfully for many years,” said Minnaar.

The firm awards were based on the following criteria – business growth, customer service, technical excellence, contribution to the community, contribution to the profession, transformation record and commitment to ethics and professionalism. The criteria were not equally weighted, a strong showing in one category was sufficient to put the firm above the rest.

“GLH has demonstrated technical excellence given the number of reputable accolades the company has received from peers and industry insiders,” the judges said. “The company was highly commended for its 2 Pybus Road project and received special mention for the Witklipfontein Eco Lodge. The Lodge also received a GIfA Award of Excellence and the Presidents Award as well as the SAPOA Innovative Excellence Awards to add to the accolades also received at PMR.”

The Award-winning lodge is designed to blend and disappear into the surrounding nature. The ground carpet of the hill has just been lifted a little to slip the house under it. The architecture is a unique combination of traditional vernacular building techniques with modern minimalistic design. Overlooking the plains, panoramic views blur the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding nature allowing for a unique bush living experience.