location: Mjejane Game Reserve – Kruger National Park | architecture: Archi–Studio Architects | project architects: Demo and Alessandro Salerno | interior: Archi–Studio Architects, Caliope Salerno | photography: Christopher Salerno
Mjejane Game Reserve lies within the southern reaches of the Kruger National Park and is the only freehold development within the Greater Kruger. This richly vegetated 2 400-square metre site sits along the reserve’s 11-kilometre Crocodile River frontage.
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- The interior design signature encapsulates dark pigmented walls and richly textured surfaces to create a dramatic backdrop for the owners’ art collection, while simultaneously emphasising the surrounding landscape.
Framed by two magnificent Ironwood trees, the site projects out over rock-strewn rapids, which permeate the silence of the Kruger with rich liquid tones. Supplementing panoramic views of the river, picturesque shimmering floodplains are a paradise for abundant wildlife. The site offered a unique opportunity on its western boundary – located next to a belt of lush vegetation – creating the impression that the property is isolated, allowing wildlife to move freely along its boundaries.
The site was blessed with a huge Milkberry tree from which the name N’Wambu Lodge was derived. To further challenge the architects, the property lies along a thick clay belt, which encouraged them to design a structure that would be free from any unpredictable geological movements.
As a second home, the owners required a relaxed and rustic modern living experience within generous uncluttered spaces, which would be comfortable for family and friends. Say the architects: ‘This was to be a light and airy structure with a unique identity, free from preconceived architectural styles.
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- The dining room with its double volume, high level windows and large wooden table is an adaptable venue for dining, be it banquet or braai. Key furniture pieces by Weylandts.
‘The individual functions were to be clearly defined, while simultaneously connecting to a common gathering space: a secured, uncluttered courtyard around the Milkberry tree. Although enjoying a mere 30 metres of river frontage, the client brief was for a house which appeared to be isolated in order to embrace the surrounding indigenous bush and African sunsets.’
Designed within the estate’s architectural guidelines, this 600-square metre build represents a fresh take on the rustic sophistication of luxury bush accommodation. It’s the result of an architectural and interior design concept, which saw the property not only as a space for luxury accommodation, but as a series of experiences individually designed to capture the essence of a unique African bush lodge, within a modern context.
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- The bedrooms are seen as a series of spaces within a main space. The mosquito nets encapsulating the beds create a tent-like structure within the double volume, while the private sunken lounges open out to the pool deck to connect and blur the indoor / outdoor experience.
Rich textures allow the lodge to grow from and blend with its natural surroundings. Relic elements defined by organic shapes, anthill-like structures and natural materials are juxtaposed with the rectangular forms of steel and glass, to create a harmonious whole; a blend of old and new, natural and man-made.
For the full article see Habitat #265 May / June 2018
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