Entebbe Forest Lodge
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Hospitality Architecture
Company Name:Localworks
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Felix Holland, Edson Agume, Allan Semakula, Wilson Sendikwanawa
Design Team / Other designer(s):Studio FH Architects, Aquila Gallery, Equatorsun, Dudley Kasibante & Partners, The Landscape Studio.
Construction Company:ARS Construction
Lighting Design:KAL Engineering
Client Name:Entebbe Forest Lodge Ltd
Photo Credit:Will Boase Photography
Project Location:Bukaya, Uganda
Design Status:Completed
Website: View
Project Description:
Entebbe Forest Lodge is a small lakeside eco-lodge located within a natural tropical forest along the shores of Lake Victoria. Situated on the Bukaya peninsula, it is within ideal reach from both Entebbe and Kampala. The functions of the site are organised in a way that enhances the natural features of the rare pocket of forest and expansive lake. The design provides a seamless transition between architecture and landscape allowing guests to fully appreciate the rich ecology of the destination.
Entebbe Forest Lodge is a small lakeside eco-lodge located within a natural tropical forest along the shores of Lake Victoria. Situated on the Bukaya peninsula, it is within ideal reach from both Entebbe and Kampala. The functions of the site are organised in a way that enhances the natural features of the rare pocket of forest and expansive lake. The design provides a seamless transition between architecture and landscape allowing guests to fully appreciate the rich ecology of the destination.
Project Innovation / Specification:
A series of cabins are situated within the heavily forested region that makes up most of the site. These are isolated, wooden structures clad in charred eucalyptus offcuts elevated on stilts along the site's cliff edge. The wild and natural external condition is contrasted with warm internal tones that give the feeling of being sheltered and comfortable. A heavy organically shaped, boulder-like stone volume that accommodates an ensuite bathroom, punctuates and anchors each cabin. The reception is a covered outdoor terrace within the forest – it echoes the light materiality of the cabins. From here a path carefully positioned within and around existing trees leads towards the lodge’s main building. This building sits in an opening on the edge of the forest and is glazed extensively towards the lake. It is situated on the ground and made primarily of stone. A series of stone paved terraces and a curved swimming pool and a circular terrace right on the lake's edge are also provided. The design allows guests to immerse themselves with a truly natural environment.
A series of cabins are situated within the heavily forested region that makes up most of the site. These are isolated, wooden structures clad in charred eucalyptus offcuts elevated on stilts along the site's cliff edge. The wild and natural external condition is contrasted with warm internal tones that give the feeling of being sheltered and comfortable. A heavy organically shaped, boulder-like stone volume that accommodates an ensuite bathroom, punctuates and anchors each cabin. The reception is a covered outdoor terrace within the forest – it echoes the light materiality of the cabins. From here a path carefully positioned within and around existing trees leads towards the lodge’s main building. This building sits in an opening on the edge of the forest and is glazed extensively towards the lake. It is situated on the ground and made primarily of stone. A series of stone paved terraces and a curved swimming pool and a circular terrace right on the lake's edge are also provided. The design allows guests to immerse themselves with a truly natural environment.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Natural and locally-sourced materials define the architecture: timber for floors, rafters and decking, charred eucalyptus cladding to reduce maintenance and deepen integration with the landscape, stone bases for public buildings, and unprocessed wood panels over metal sheets to reduce heat transfer. Large glazed openings connect interior and exterior, bringing daylight deep into the cabins and reducing need for artificial lighting while giving guests immersive nature experience.
Natural and locally-sourced materials define the architecture: timber for floors, rafters and decking, charred eucalyptus cladding to reduce maintenance and deepen integration with the landscape, stone bases for public buildings, and unprocessed wood panels over metal sheets to reduce heat transfer. Large glazed openings connect interior and exterior, bringing daylight deep into the cabins and reducing need for artificial lighting while giving guests immersive nature experience.
