+267 393 5310 smathe@moralodesigns.com

Introducing Moralo Designs

About Us

Botswana is experiencing exciting developments; growth and expansion primarily through the wise investment of the fruits of our natural resources. As designers, we are challenged with finding an identity for our buildings, which would speak clearly to Botswana’s architectural heritage as well as announce the arrival of a new, modern industry to the nation.

Our design has an Architectural language which expresses itself in modern materials, building forms and visible technology of our time. The concept of being modern is expressed using materials with sustainable sources. By preserving the scarce source of materials we are facing the challenges of the future in today’s buildings.

In Setswana, ‘go rala’ means to make patterns on clay walls. Traditionally, the work of building houses was that of women. As a female Architect, I have named my practice Moralo Designs which speaks to ‘making patterns with soft earth.’ The art of building, creating intuitive, well-formed spaces with the sand around us.

Design for a Place and People

Design needs to focus on the needs of the end user to ensure that the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to a diverse grouping of our society. The design process needs to be collaborative to achieve the right ambitions.

Technology-Led Solutions

Our commitment is to sustainable design that uses modern technology and modern materials in order for our spaces and buildings to be cost effective in the future. Our buildings must leave a light footprint on the earth.

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Modern Contemporary Design

We use traditional Tswana design thinking to inspire beautiful, usable, modern spaces that fit perfectly into the culture and climate of Botswana. This creates purposeful and innovative solutions  to meet the needs of our community.

Our Process: Step 1

Site Survey & Assessment

We will undertake a site assessment and make our recommendations on the site development taking into consideration: access, proximity to other settlements, nature of existing communities, topography, natural features of interest, landscape, views, orientation, and sun & wind patterns. Each building we design is made for its unique place.

Our Process: Step 2

Preliminary Design

We will work with you to develop a design brief that compiles the future functions of the space. Once the content of the brief is agreed upon, the preliminary design work will also include considerations for civil works and building structure design; services like water, sewer, electrical and mechanical design; communications, fire, health and safety; and landscaping

Our Process: Step 3

Project Budget

Once we’ve agreed on the preliminary site design, we’ll develop a project cost proposal that will include infrastructure works, services, building, furnishings and fittings costs. It is essential to know what the preliminary budget costs are early on in a project to inform viability of what is being proposed.

Our Process: Step 4

Project Timelines

In developing this, together with yourselves, we will look at a variety of timelines that take into consideration phasing the project both in terms of time and in terms of its implication on cost.

Our Process: Step 5

Statutory Compliance

For all projects we will review the requirements of the Botswana Urban Development Standards and the Botswana Building Regulations. The need for a Social Impact Study and Environmental Impact Assessment will also be assessed by an Environmental Consultant and their inherent recommendations will also inform our development of the project.

Our Process: Step 6

Construction Phase

Our designs are based on a combination of elements which segment the construction phase into those requiring external expertise and those that can be achieved through the involvement of locally available skills. Growing existing building skills and incorporating them into the project makes our projects sustainable, generates employment and meets our goal of contributing to the development of appropriate methods of construction for our environment. We believe that it is critical to see all our projects through the construction phase with regular site monitoring and focused project management.

Let us design for you

If you’ve got an upcoming residential or commercial project, contact us to discuss your needs and to see how we can best serve you.