Overview

Description: In 2019 APS were approached by Wild Horizons to re-design an existing and well-known Victoria Falls landmark, the Lookout Cafe, which had sadly burnt to the ground in December 2018. Unusually, the site is located in a National Park, on the precipice of the Zambezi Gorge, with distant views of the Livingstone Bridge, spanning between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Challenge: For for obvious commercial reasons, this was to be a fast-track project - The intention was to replace the old cafe with a larger, newer version as quickly as possible. There were certain challenges and opportunities relative to the buildings unique siting and location on the edge of the Zambezi River gorge. The new building was to draw on the unique characteristics of the old building, with the intention of increasing the original carrying capacity, and to amplify the extreme nature of the site and associated panoramic views.

Solution: Working in close association with the client and the structural engineers, a new design layout was developed which maximises the catering kitchen, and public deck space available, with the inclusion of a bar, coffee station and food servery. Everything about the building is about maximising the guests experience of the Zambezi River gorge and the bridge in the distance.

We introduced multiple deck terraces, stepping down toward the railing edge, allowing multiple diners to have unobstructed views. A waiting area (adjacent to the entrance) with access to the lower grassed terrace, allows guests the opportunity to comfortably wait for a vacancy, or explore the site and take in the extreme scenery.