5. Egypt is a premier tourist destination and has very good infra-structure (e.g., airports, roads, transport, and services). The project is located in the desert within the western zone of the country. This area is still to be developed but already in factor in tourism development sector. Our goal is to create an eco-lodge with a small number of guestrooms, surrounded by gardens and farmland on a property of 5000m2. The construction is inspired by the philosophy of Hassan Fathy, a great Egyptian architect who was an expert of desert areas and climate and used his knowledge to develop architecture adapted to desert environments, both technically and climatically. Given our respect for this still largely untouched land, we plan an ecological intervention that is environmentally friendly and socially engaged to include several parallel projects in education, employment generation and economic development of the zone. Similar to the local culture and energy consumption, the construction will follow sustainable regulations. This project will employ workers and artisans of the local area in building construction as well as furniture design and fabrication. Concept
6. The property of 5,000 m2, is located along the road-side in the community of Abu Monkar. This area is increasingly busy, under development, and serves as entry point for expeditions to the "Ramblat El Kebir" (The Great Sand Sea). The situation: This property is at crossing point for all who journey in this geographical area because it adjoins the only road uniting the Oasis with Cairo, a distance of 650 km. At 90km to the north, there is the Oasis of Farafra, which is known for the spectacular White Desert. At 190km to the south, there is the Oasis of Dakhla. This is a strategic location since it is the only midway point between the Oases, which is inhabited and contains water. The project consists of a cafe-restaurant on the road-side and an Eco-lodge with 12 guest rooms in the desert. The site has electricity and running water from the local power supply of Abu Monkar. In addition, a well will be excavated to open a natural water pool, usually sulfurous which is ideal for skin and spa treatments. Description: 1 .- Cafeteria, 350m2, including a bar, restaurant, terrace and relaxing area that overlooks the Great Sand Sea. 2 .- Eco-lodge, comprising of 6 houses of 130m2 each, resulting in a total of 12 rooms. 3 .- Well for use by cafeteria, Eco-lodge, pool and to water gardens and crops. 4 .- Planting gardens and organic vegetable garden for on-site consumption of fruit and vegetables. 5 .- Use of renewable energies (solar panels, wind turbines). 6 .- Treatment of waste water by a natural system of plants and gravel filters. The project
7. The aim is to provide services to tourists, increasingly numerous in this area, and to local needs, since there is no accommodation in the immediate vicinity. The cafeteria will target travelers passing through this route who want or need to stop and rest, drink or eat before continuing to the next oasis. It will be the only rest stop in a 200 km around radios. The Eco-lodge is mainly focused on providing a quality tourism experience for both international guests and Egyptian residents. This latter group is more regular than the usual seasonal tourism and for stays for more than one night. From this site, excursions can be organized into the desert, from several hours to several days. The dunes in the Great Sand Sea are a prime attraction, with great sites for camping. In the surrounding area of the Project, there are other places of desert beauty. To explore the desert, there are native Bedouin guides who come from local tribes who left their nomadic, pastoral life a few years ago to settle down in communities. They have a perfect knowledge of the area since they have been crossing this area since childhood. A Sample of Potential Activities A variety of activities can be arranged, including provide logistics services, such as follows: - Short or long stays for groups interested in adventure tourism. - Group meditation or other personal development experiences and techniques. - Experience the nomadic lifestyle on camels, in 4x4 vehicles, or trekking by foot. All these possibilities in the "Ramblat El Kebir" - one of the most beautiful deserts in the world! Services and activities
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10. It is divided in two types: 1. Construction of 6 houses with a patio that reflect quality finishing touches. Each house consists of a unit (8 m x 6 m or 48 m2) constructed in adobe, plus a patio of 30 m2. The house unit consists of a double room, complete bath and hall with a kitchen bar. The patio has a shaded porch along the facade and the rest is uncovered. 2: Construction of 6 guest rooms, including bathroom and terrace, (48 m2 surface) with a view of the “dunes sea.” Each one is located on the second floor of a house with its own separate entrance. All carpentry and decoration will be traditional desert style. The entire residential complex will be surrounded by palm trees, similar to the vegetable gardens in the area. Landscape gardening will be completed for each residence. Eco-lodge
12. Pool (natural water) A source for irrigation of orchard and gardens will be open. Fresh water pond for swimming will be constructed. Water is sulphurous, with recognized therapeutic properties. Perfect to refresh and relax after a day in the desert!
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17. Contact Juan José Zuloaga tel in Spain: +34 696 97 25 69 tel in Egypt: +20 187 81 97 57 e-mail: juanzulo1@ hotmail.com