slee & co. architects' red earth game lodge emerges from the namibian landscape

located in namibia’s khomas region, slee & co. architects‘ game lodge emerges from the surrounding landscape with red earth-colored plastered walls and simple lines. the south-african firm has blended red sand from the farm with cementitious plaster, rendering all walls of the solid mass construction the same color as the earth around. the low slung linear building introduces the visitor to the unique character of the game farm, offering shelter from the harsh namibian environment.

all images courtesy of slee & co. architects

slee & co. architects has set the game lodge within a savannah grass veld, characterized by red earth and scattered thorn trees. upon approach, the lodge slowly emerges out of the landscape as a low slung linear mass with deep shadows and simple lines. the architects have mixed red sand from the farm into cementitious plaster, allowing the building to exist in harmony with its vast surroundings.

the solid mass walls of the building create shadow play and draw the eye into the vastness of the landscape, while the cantilevered roof folds over a spinal wall which protects and frames the oversized veranda, allowing for unobstructed views. slee & co. architects has used simple materials in the construction of the game lodge, including: corrugated roof sheeting, natural red sand coloured plastered walls, and cement floors. in addition, expansive glass doors which disappear into the walls when opened up, eliminate the boundaries between exterior and interior spaces.

project info:

name: game lodge

architect: slee & co. architects

location: khomas region, namibia