OBOĒ Gardenstē is conceived as an eco-boutique accommodation and community hub, offering a space for retreat, connection and everyday living.
Located in the north of Mauritius, the project responds to the need for calm and refuge from the intensity of daily life, while creating opportunities for gathering, learning and staying.
The landscape is designed as a sequence of immersive garden experiences, shaping both movement and atmosphere across the site.
The project draws from principles of sustainability, resilience and Japanese garden design.
A predominantly endemic and indigenous planting palette was selected to:
The garden is structured into three distinct yet interconnected systems:
Each element responds directly to the site’s environmental conditions and intended uses.
Rain Garden
Situated in a region prone to seasonal flooding, the design works with the existing topography to manage water naturally.
The rain garden absorbs excess runoff during the rainy season, mitigating flood risks while enhancing the landscape experience.
Island Gardens
The circulation to the private rooms unfolds through a sequence of island gardens, inspired by the northern islets of Mauritius.
These spaces create a sensory journey, combining mineral and planted elements.
The use of endemic species ensures resilience to local conditions, including cyclones, while reinforcing a strong sense of place.
Permaculture Garden
The permaculture garden supports a more autonomous and sustainable lifestyle.
Designed to produce fresh, organic food on-site, it reduces reliance on external supply chains and limits the use of chemical inputs, aligning with a broader ecological vision.
The project is rooted in working with what already exists.
By embracing the natural characteristics of the site (its hydrology, climate and vegetation) the design transforms constraints into opportunities, creating a landscape that is both functional and enduring.