Ilashe Island Resort
The experience begins at the jetty.
A one-acre island off Lagos, reached by boat. The crossing was the best thing about the site, so the concept starts there rather than at the door of a cabin.
- Site
- 1 acre
- Cabins
- 6 studios + 4 A-frames
- Crossing
- Around 30 minutes
Cabin illustration · placeholderThe brief
The client found my work on social media and asked me to advise on developing his island site. I travelled to Lagos to see the land and work through the direction with him.
The journey
We boarded a boat at the jetty in Lagos and made the trip ourselves. Around 30 minutes on the water, taking in the Apapa port area, huge shipping vessels and the changing waterfront before arriving at Ilashe. That journey stayed with me. I made it part of the resort concept, considering the guest experience from the moment they step onto the boat. Crossing times depend on the jetty, boat and conditions.
The cabin plan
The plan brings ten Duadan cabins to the one-acre site. The updated mix is six studios and four A-frames, with selected designs adapted for the project.
The material
Our use of hardwood recovered from Lake Volta resonated with his interest in responsible timber sourcing. It became a key reason for choosing Duadan to build the cabins. Recovery is only the beginning: the timber is assessed, dried and prepared for its intended use before it becomes part of a cabin.
The delivery
I am managing the on-site construction remotely while our team prefabricates the cabins in Accra. The components will be flat-packed, transported to Lagos and delivered to the island for assembly. The workshop and the site have to move together.
Current stage
Construction and prefabrication underway. No performance figures are published for this project.