EBEN LIFE RETREAT - MY APPROACH
Juliasdale’s landscape from above reads as a natural mosaic of forests, clearings, edges, and rugged zones, each with its own microclimate and atmosphere. This became the foundation for the retreat’s concept: The Recovery Mosaic – recovery is not linear or uniform, but requires different environments depending on a person’s needs at any given moment.
The retreat is therefore designed as a series of varied “room-states” rather than a single healing space. These range from open, social clearings to sheltered pockets of refuge, transitional edge spaces, calm ridge rooms, and more challenging sensory zones. This allows guests to move between environments and self-regulate their level of exposure, connection, and stimulation.
The concept is reinforced by the native and endangered Inyangani river frog, which survives in harsh conditions through small, reliable advantages like grip, shelter, and rhythm. Translating this into design, the retreat integrates these “micro-advantages” through tactile stability, layered protection, and predictable spatial cues – creating a non-uniform healing landscape where resilience is supported through carefully designed environmental conditions.
Building Requirements
Building A: Communal Living Space
- Commercial kitchen (staffed)
- Dining space to accommodate 16 people
- Lounge space
Building B: Multi-functional Community Centre
- Two separate rooms for group counselling/lectures (setup adaptive)
- One room for small group/individual sessions
Building C: Administration Block
- Reception area (seating for at least 4 people and 1 staff member)
- Communal office (containing a central meeting table for 6 people, desking
for 4 staff members, and a central printing station)
- One private office for 1 staff member (as well as a lounge for max 2 people)
- Self-service coffee station
Building D: Accommodation Type 1 (sleeps 5 people across 2 bedrooms)
- A small lounge area (separate from the 2 bedrooms with a small coffee station)
- 2 bedrooms with three-quarter beds
- 2 en-suite bathrooms consisting of a shower and basin
- 2 WC cubicles (should be separate from the en-suite bathrooms and should
not open directly into the bathrooms, bedrooms, and lounge)
Building E: Accommodation Type 2 (sleeps 2 people across 1 bedroom)
- A small lounge area (separate from the bedroom with a small coffee station)
- 1 bedroom with a three-quarter bed
- 1 en-suite bathroom consisting of a shower, bathtub, and basin
- 1 WC cubicle (should be separate from the en-suite bathroom and should
not open directly into the bathroom, bedroom, and lounge
Building F: Public WC's and Laundry
- A female WC (consisting of 2 WC cubicles and 2 wash hand basins)
- A male WC (consisting of 1 WC cubicle, 2 urinals, and 2 wash hand basins)
- A laundry room (consisting of 2 washing machines, 2 tumble dryers, 2 spaces for
ironing, an internal and external sink, and a separate storage room for linen)
About the Brief
This project focused on designing a wellness-based hospitality retreat for Eben Life, an extension of Project Kurarama, an organisation in Zimbabwe that supports individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health challenges. The aim was to create a restorative residential retreat located in Juliasdale in the Eastern Highlands, a site defined by its cooler climate, high rainfall, misty landscapes, and strong seasonal changes, including the distinctive colour transformation of the msasa trees. The design had to respond to this natural context, using the landscape, views, and clustered building approach to create a sense of privacy, tranquility, and connection to nature. At the same time, the project needed to address real-world constraints such as remote location, high transport costs, and limited resources, encouraging the use of locally available materials and cost-effective construction methods.
The design had to reflect the core philosophy of “retreat, restore, revive,” creating an environment that supports healing, personal growth, and connection to self, others, and the surrounding environment. A strong emphasis was placed on conceptual development, sustainability, and sensitivity to the social and cultural context, while avoiding inappropriate spiritual references. The overall approach needed to be low-impact, environmentally responsive, and integrated into the landscape, with careful consideration of climate, water management, and energy use. Interior spaces had to balance privacy and shared living, supporting long-term stays in a way that feels safe, calm, and nurturing. Ultimately, the project aimed to produce a cohesive, concept-driven design that could be presented to donors, clearly communicating both the vision of the retreat and its practical feasibility.
ProJECT Gallery
