andbeyond: ngorongoro crater lodge, tanzania
on the edge of the world's largest inactive and intact volcanic crater lies a lodge that synthesizes the rich building culture of west africa with opulent european whimsy.
perched at the crater of the world heritage protected ngorongoro crater in the unspoiled greenery of tanzania, the cluster of lodges puts vernacular tectonics in dialogue with the exuberant and opulent. the result is a luxurious palette of typically african mud plaster walls, elegantly layered banana leaf ceilings and cooling makhuti palm roofs. roof forms are informed by conical masaai volumes; stilted construction and soaring rustic turrets are typical of west african mali design.
the lodge in the cavernous context
image © andbeyond (also main image)
interior furnishings are a richly hued collection of trinkets that express the whimsy of a bygone era. the synthesis of the two design languages is the work of architect sylvio rech and designer chris browne, although the built form primarily serves the greater aim of framing lines of sight and panoramic perspectives of the vast ngorongoro crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. rooms are positioned to show the full splendor of the landscape-wide cavity and ample floor-to-ceiling glazing allows uninterrupted views of the impressive architecture of the earth.
exteriors employ masaai building techniques and a distinctly west african material palette
image © andbeyond
palm frond roofs and mud walls are artfully enclose spaces
image © andbeyond
stilted construction and soaring turrets characterize the built form
image © andbeyond
generous glazing punctures the rustic walls
image © andbeyond
the wisdom of regional construction techniques meets the whimsy of a bygone european era
image © andbeyond
interiors hybridize the luxurious language of persian rugs and european trimmings with an acclaim for local materials
image © andbeyond
dining room view with its network of arches
image © andbeyond
the crater is an impressive piece of architecture formed by the forces of the earth
image © andbeyond
rich, dark woods, textured walls and a a plethora of opulent fixtures complete the multiple dialogues of the interior space
image © andbeyond
banana leaf ceilings create a textured surface that interplays with light
image © andbeyond
bedroom view
image © andbeyond
expanses of glazing invite the crater into the active spaces of the lodge
image © andbeyond
the architecture capitalizes on the climate and picturesque landscape of the site
image © andbeyond
the cluster of buildings emits a warm glow at night
image © andbeyond
1/13
