When Chester Zoo decided to add a luxury lodge within its Heart of Africa zone, the goal was more than guest accommodation. The zoo envisioned a safari‑inspired retreat that would immerse visitors in nature while funding the zoo’s conservation work. Unveiled in August 2025 and comprising 51 bespoke lodges, The Reserve needed finishes that could withstand heavy use yet feel as organic and inviting as the surroundings.
A safari lodge with a purpose
Crafting an immersive experience
Designers Kim Darling worked with Chester Zoo to translate the Heart of Africa’s savannah into architecture. They engaged Archi.tile to ensure every floor, wall and surface told the same story of natural beauty and endurance. The brief: provide materials that evoke an African lodge while standing up to thousands of feet and paws.
The reception is the first space guests encounter. Here, around 450 m² of specially oiled engineered wood stretches across the floor, its warm tone echoing the golden grasses outside while resisting the scuffs of luggage and boots. In the bar, toilets and kitchens, areas prone to spills and wear—porcelain tiles deliver slip‑resistance and easy cleaning without sacrificing the lodge aesthetic
Materials that tell a story
Each of the 51 lodges carries its own character through bespoke tile blends. Standard ranges such as Salerno Azul Gloss, Archi Wood Slate, Powder Sage Matt R10 PTV36+ and Bergamo Avorio Matt R10 PTV36+ provide a base palette of earthy browns, sandy beiges and soft greens.
To add nuance, the team introduced: Pot Matt PTV36+ 600 × 600 for monolithic floors, Heritage Blue 1200 × 600 to suggest open skies, and slender Griege and Jade gloss tiles for accent walls and bathroom niches.
Perhaps the most memorable element is the copper bath on each lodge’s terrace, where guests can sip Stoney ginger beer while gazing over the “savannah” and the curated material palette. This tactile experience ties the finishes to the landscape and reinforces the resort’s commitment to both comfort and conservation.
Collaboration and delivery
The project was a multi‑disciplinary effort. Archi.tile coordinated with Starship Group (main contractor) and Mcphillips (building contractor), while RJM Tiling handled installation and Pro Surface Solutions managed the fit‑out, Admiral Carpets and Bleu Ceramics supplied soft surfaces, ensuring every texture complemented the overall narrative.
The completed lodge is more than a collection of rooms; it’s a narrative journey. Guests enter through a reception that recalls a safari outpost, transition through communal spaces anchored by durable porcelain, and retreat to lodges that blend bespoke tiles and natural wood. The finishes resist wear yet celebrate the textures of nature, supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation through an unforgettable stay. This storytelling approach showcases how thoughtful material choices can transform hospitality projects into experiences that resonate long after check‑out.
