GAME LODGE
Slee & Co Architects
ENGINEERING
Balt Beyers, DG Consulting Engineers
PHOTOGRAPHS
Gerard Slee, Carla Schnetler, Johann Slee
ARCHITECT OF BUILDING
Johann Slee, Slee & Co. Architects, Stellenbosch
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Slee & Co. Architects, Yvonne Onderweegs
YEAR
2018
LOCATION
Namibia
CATEGORY
Lodging
“The philosophy behind our design is to incorporate and respect the diverse aspirations and heritages of our clients; to learn from advanced technologies and to create a vernacular architecture, embracing our unique people, skills, climate and space.
Our architectural palette has its origin in the earth - muted earth colours, textured finishes reflecting abundant sunlight. Our built structures reflect simplicity and honesty, echoing the vernacular of local built forms.”
A farm gate set in a red earth wall introduces the visitor to the unique character of this hunting farm. From the entrance, a red dust road lingers through a Savannah grass veld scattered with thorn trees.
Upon approach, the lodge slowly emerges out of the spectacular red earth, a solid mass with deep shadows and simple lines blending into the surroundings; a low slung linear structure offering shelter against the harsh Namibian environment.
The red sand from the farm is mixed into the cementitious plaster which renders all walls the same colour as the surrounding earth.
The horizontal textures are raked onto the walls which create shadow play and draw the eye into the vastness of the landscape.
A cantilevered roof folds over a spinal wall which protects and frames the oversized veranda, allowing for unobstructed views.
The elements and palate of this lodge are simple: corrugated roof sheeting, natural red sand coloured plastered walls, cement floors, and expansive glass doors which disappear into the walls when opened up, eliminating the boundaries between the outdoors and the interior spaces.
The project has earned a CIFA (Cape Institute for Architecture) commendation as well as a Bronze Loerie Award in 2019.
