Tiger Track Eco Lodge in Bardiya Wins Prestigious International Architecture Award

May 10, Kathmandu – The Tiger Track Eco Lodge located in Bardiya has won the renowned international architectural accolade, the Architizer A+ Award 2026. In this competition, Tiger Track Eco Lodge was honored as the Popular Choice Winner under the Sustainable Hospitality Building category. Designed by the non-profit organization Building Bureau, this eco-friendly tourism structure integrates local Tharu architecture, environmentally friendly materials, and community benefits, capturing significant international attention.

Completed in 2026, this lodge is situated near the corridor that connects Bardiya National Park with India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning approximately 4,250 square feet, the lodge draws inspiration from traditional Tharu design. It features rammed earth walls instead of modern concrete, earthquake-resistant steel rebar structures, and terracotta tiles recycled from old houses.

The Tharu community, displaced when the park was established in the 1970s, currently resides in the buffer zone area. Nearly 100,000 people in this region depend on wildlife and forest resources for their livelihood. Against this backdrop, the Tiger Track Eco Lodge was established to reduce human-wildlife conflict and economically empower the local community.

Driven by Hemant Acharya, who lost his father to a wildlife attack, this initiative is a notable social contribution. A portion of the lodge’s revenue is allocated to a fund supporting single women affected by wildlife incidents, providing assistance for self-employment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the lodge financially supports the community-based anti-poaching unit (CBAPU), which currently comprises 3,336 young volunteers from 119 villages, including 55% women and 45% men.

As an exemplary model of sustainable architecture, the lodge offers facilities including tourist accommodation, a community center, offices, reception, dining areas, and staff housing. Its low energy consumption, use of local materials, and climate-responsive design make it a leading example of sustainable building practices. Tiger Track Eco Lodge presents a new model for promoting traditional Nepali skills on the global stage, encouraging sustainable tourism, conserving biodiversity, and improving local livelihoods.