By David Marks, CEO of MEWA
Let me tell you about a project that was a rollercoaster adventure in problem-solving, complex mathematics, engineering across many disciplines, creativity, craftsmanship and teamwork. I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished at Addo Eco Park.
Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group that is launching its Hiddn in Addo five-star luxury eco resort in March 2026. It offers luxurious accommodation in luxury suites and villas seemingly suspended between earth and sky.
In WoodBiz Africa’s September 2024 edition, I introduced the exciting project the MEWA team embarked on in a private eco park inside the renowned Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape.
We discussed how the massive rhino horns were made that anchor the “floating” canopies. Now that the project has reached completion, I can reflect on the remarkable challenges we faced throughout this journey.
The complexity of this work pushed our limits, requiring us to keep pace with the main contractors while navigating tight manufacturing timelines. The assembly conditions were far from ideal, and we encountered a steep learning curve with little room for trial and error.
The impact of experience
Our primary guidance came from an architectural rendering and plans that ensured our canopies would fit seamlessly within the timber-frame structures. Beyond that, we relied on our engineering expertise and experience to craft the shapes, design the optimal jointing system, and plan for the site’s ever-changing weather conditions.
The moment the first canopy was hoisted into place by crane, we were very relieved that our calculations and meticulous planning had borne fruit! Particularly satisfying was our successful fusion of free-form cross-laminated timber into glue-laminated timber, all while incorporating sharp, tight gluelam curves. We had 13 more to produce.
Read more – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/january-2026-issue-55/16/