LODGES & BOUTIQUE HOTELS
CONTENTS
Waterberg Cabin 1
Waterberg Cabin 2
Machado Boutique Hotel
Elements Lodge
Groendal Treehouse
Olifants Rondawel
Waterberg Cabin 1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Step into the living room of this modern haven. A testament to contemporary bushveld living, the space effortlessly marries the comforts of modern design with the untamed beauty of its surroundings.
The living room serves as the heart of the cabin, where the natural elements of the environment seamlessly merge with sophisticated aesthetics. Large windows, framed in sleek steel, allow the outside world to spill inside, creating a living canvas of shifting light and shadows.
Furnishings, carefully chosen for their comfort and style, punctuate the room with an understated elegance. Thoughtfully placed decor elements, inspired by the local flora and fauna, infuse the space with a sense of place, reminding inhabitants of the unique ecosystem just beyond the glass.
The living room seamlessly extends to an outdoor patio, where the boundaries between interior and exterior blur. Here, one can bask in the natural symphony of the surroundings – the rustle of leaves, the distant call of wildlife, and the ever-changing colours of the sky. The terrace becomes a private enclave, a front-row seat to the drama of nature unfolding in the vast expanse of the Waterberg wilderness.
In the evening, the living room transforms into a cozy retreat, illuminated by carefully placed ambient lighting that accentuates the warmth of the materials and the inviting allure of the space. It becomes a haven for contemplation, conversation, and connection – a living embodiment of the commitment to fostering a profound relationship between humans and the untamed beauty of the natural world.
Waterberg Cabin 1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The main bedroom of this contemporary cabin, a sanctuary within the heart of nature, encapsulates the essence of comfort seamlessly interwoven with the surrounding wilderness.
As you enter, the room is filled with a natural allure, adorned in a blend of indigenous elements and modern aesthetics. Stone-clad walls, stand as a testament to the commitment to harmonizing with the environment. The tactile quality of the locally sourced stone gives the space a rustic charm, invoking a sense of connection to the rugged beauty of the bushveld.
Large expanses of glass frame the bedroom, forming a symbiotic relationship between the interior and the landscape beyond. The steel frames, elegantly integrated into the design, serve as a minimalist backdrop, allowing nature’s panoramic artwork to take center stage. As dawn breaks or dusk descends, the play of light and shadows within the room creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, enhancing the intimate connection to the surrounding valleys and mountains.
This main bedroom is not just a space within the cabin; it’s a sanctuary designed to deepen the relationship between inhabitants and the natural environment. The commitment to sustainability and local authenticity is not only evident in the materials but also in the very essence of the room, making it a unique retreat within the heart of the Waterberg wilderness.
Waterberg Cabin 2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Presenting our second cabin design in the picturesque Waterberg region of South Africa, this architectural project is conceptualized to maximize the enjoyment of the valley’s expansive views and natural light. With a distinctive monopitch roof and a lofted bedroom, the design prioritizes integrating the interior space with the surrounding natural landscape.
The design approach for this cabin is informed by a deep respect for the natural environment and a commitment to sustainable architecture. Its steeply inclined roof enhances sunlight penetration and provides unobstructed views. The material palette includes glass, steel, and stone cladding sourced locally, ensuring the cabin harmonizes with its bushveld setting while minimizing environmental impact.
These materials were chosen for their ability to blend with the natural surroundings and the ease of construction in a remote location as they can be delivered to the site as a compact kit of parts that is assembled on-site. The cabin is designed to be more than a place of residence; it aims to facilitate a profound connection with the natural world, offering occupants a unique blend of comfort and immersion in the wilderness.
This project exemplifies our dedication to creating architectural solutions that respect and enhance their natural settings. It reflects a balance between modern architectural principles and the unique characteristics of the South African landscape.
Machado Boutique Hotel
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Machado Boutique Hotel in Musina, highlights our commitment to sustainable architecture in challenging climates. This presentation illustrates our methodical approach to integrating sustainable features:
Solar Control: The design incorporates strategic solar control measures to ensure year-round indoor comfort while optimizing energy efficiency using deep recessed glazing and movable Rhinowood timber louvered screens.
Natural Ventilation: By employing narrow floor plates and open spaces, the architecture promotes cross ventilation, enhancing air quality and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
Building Orientation: The orientation has been carefully planned to harness natural light and ventilation, supporting sustainable living practices.
Environmental Preservation: A key aspect of our design philosophy is the integration of the site’s natural elements, including the preservation of a prominent Baobab tree on the site to be integrated with the parking layout on ground floor, which is instrumental in maintaining local biodiversity.
As we advance with the project, our focus remains on achieving a balance between innovative design and environmental responsibility. We look forward to sharing further developments as we progress towards realizing a model of comfortable and sustainable living.
Groendal Treehouse
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Introducing the Treehouse Airbnb unit that we designed, poised at the threshold of the Groendal Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape, a design that gracefully complements the reserve’s dramatic landscapes, meandering streams, and deep ravines. This unit is a tribute to the untouched beauty of its surroundings.
Located within the expansive Greater Baviaanskloof Cluster, the third-largest conservation zone in South Africa, this area is celebrated for its mesmerizing vistas and rich biodiversity.
Our design employs an innovative mix of materials including timber for structure, rammed earth, drystacked stone walls, and lightweight steel, chosen for their sustainability and ease of transportation to this secluded site. These elements can also be locally sourced, utilizing the natural resources of earth and stone available on-site.
Nestled amid Groendal’s distinct flora—comprising fynbos, patches of indigenous forest, and the thorny Valley Bushveld—the architecture offers a serene retreat that blends seamlessly with its environment. The design’s thoughtful orientation around existing trees on the cliff edge ensures a luxurious, yet intimate visitor experience.
A timber pathway leads to an inviting entrance, opening into a ground-floor living area and an integrated kitchen, both extending onto a deck that provides stunning valley views. A spiral staircase connects to the upper level, where three bedrooms with individual balconies overlook the scenic landscape. The north-facing sides are adorned with a sweeping timber pergola for solar shading, while sliding doors and clerestory windows promote cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable living space.
Groendal Treehouse
LIVING ROOM
Crafted with sustainability in mind, the living room boasts a harmonious mix of materials. Timber, selected for its eco-friendliness, joins forces with rammed earth, drystacked stone walls, and lightweight steel, all chosen for their compatibility with the secluded site and the natural resources abundant in this corner of South Africa.
The entrance beckons with a timber pathway, guiding you into a ground-floor living area that seamlessly merges with an integrated kitchen. The design ensures a connection to the outdoors, with the living space extending onto a deck offering breathtaking valley views. Sliding doors grant easy access to the mesmerizing surroundings, creating an immersive experience where the boundaries between inside and outside blur.
Ascend the spiral staircase to the upper level, where three bedrooms, each adorned with individual balconies, overlook the scenic landscape. The living room itself becomes a haven for relaxation, with ample seating thoughtfully arranged to encourage conversation and contemplation. The space is bathed in natural light streaming through strategically placed windows, providing a constant connection to the changing hues of the reserve’s natural beauty.
A nod to sustainability continues with north-facing sides adorned by a sweeping timber pergola, offering solar shading that complements the eco-conscious design. The living room is not just a functional space; it’s a retreat within nature’s embrace, fostering a sense of intimacy and luxury. Whether you’re curled up with a book or gazing out at the panoramic views, this living room invites you to savour the serenity of the Groendal Nature Reserve.
Groendal Treehouse
BEDROOM
Large windows placed to capture the changing moods of the reserve, transform the main bedroom into a living canvas. The ever-shifting light patterns and natural symphony become an integral part of the room, turning each glance outwards into a moment of contemplation.
As day transitions to night, the bedroom transforms into a cocoon of comfort. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the tranquil ambiance, inviting you to unwind in the embrace of plush bedding. The integration of natural textures, from wooden accents to soft textiles, fosters a tactile connection with the surrounding environment.
The private balcony, an extension of the main bedroom, beckons you to step outside and become one with the panoramic views. Here, amidst the rustle of leaves and the distant sounds of the reserve, the boundary between indoor and outdoor living blurs. Furnished with comfortable seating, the balcony becomes a personal sanctuary for morning coffees, evening reflections, or simply absorbing the sights and sounds of Groendal Nature Reserve.
Groendal Treehouse KITCHEN
The kitchen of the Treehouse Airbnb unit, a culinary haven is designed with a deep reverence for the untouched beauty that surrounds it, this kitchen is a testament to both functionality and seamless integration with the dramatic landscapes of the Greater Baviaanskloof Cluster.
Crafted with an innovative blend of materials that echo sustainability, the kitchen features timber elements for structure, rammed earth, dry-stacked stone walls, and lightweight steel. Each material has been thoughtfully chosen not only for its ecological footprint but also for its transportability to this remote and secluded site, ensuring a harmonious union with the natural resources available within the reserve.
As you enter the kitchen through the inviting ground-floor living area, you are met with a space that not only caters to culinary endeavours but also serves as an extension of the surrounding nature. The open design allows seamless integration with the living area, and sliding doors provide unobstructed access to the deck, where stunning valley views unfold before you like a living canvas.
The kitchen is a symphony of functionality and aesthetics. Locally sourced timber surfaces provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the integration of modern appliances ensures that the culinary experience is both convenient and enjoyable. Large windows placed to capture the natural light, frame the culinary space, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the captivating vistas while preparing meals.
The commitment to sustainability extends to the kitchen’s orientation and design, with north-facing sides adorned with a sweeping timber pergola for solar shading. This, coupled with sliding doors and clerestory windows, promotes cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and eco-conscious cooking environment. The kitchen in this treehouse is not just a space for culinary creations; it’s a harmonious intersection of nature and nourishment, inviting guests to savour the unique experience of cooking amid the breathtaking landscapes of Groendal Nature Reserve.
Olifants Rondawel
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project, a Rondawel situated within the Olifants Rivier Game Reserve, integrates the principles of Zoomorphism, drawing on the natural forms of the porcupine and pangolin to inform its architectural elements.
A newly designed pergola structure welcomes visitors, offering shelter and shade on the approach to the rondawel, and leading them to a spacious stoep that presents sweeping views into the bush. This addition is both functional and aesthetic, enhancing the entry experience while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The construction of a curving natural stone wall introduces a series of sheltered and private spaces around the property. This thoughtful design element provides seclusion for key areas such as the fire pit, the main bedroom, and the outdoor shower, ensuring privacy from adjacent units. The integration of these features demonstrates a careful consideration of both the environment and the needs of the occupants, aiming for a balance between interaction with the natural surroundings and personal privacy.
BEN KUNZ
M (PROF)ARCH, PR ARCH 21230 (SACAP)
+27 (0) 84 726 0334
ben@kr-architects.co.za
www.kr-architects.co.za
WALTER RAUBENHEIMER
M (PROF)ARCH, PR ARCH 24750608 (SACAP)
+27 (0) 82 551 6507
walter@kr-architects.co.za
www.kr-architects.co.za
Menlyn Central Office Building, 125 Dallas Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0010
Postnet Suite #33, Private Bag X12, Menlo Park, 0102, | Kunz and Raubenheimer Architects (Pty) Ltd
Company Registration Number: 2018/373600/07 | Directors: B Kunz, W Raubenheimer
Menlyn Central Office Building, 125 Dallas Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0010 Postnet Suite #33, Private Bag X12, Menlo Park, 0102, | Kunz and Raubenheimer Architects (Pty) Ltd Company Registration Number: 2018/373600/07 | Directors: B Kunz, W Raubenheimer