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THE OUTPOST KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA |
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| ARCHITECTURE / INTERIOR DESIGN |
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| Daffonchio & Associates, Johannesburg |
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The philosophical underpinnings of modern architecture, that it should reflect and harmonise with its surroundings, find their fullest expression in the Outpost. Italy’s Daffonchio & Associates designed the hotel for full integration in its environment.
And what an environment it is: Set in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the hotel only minimally encroaches upon the surrounding ecosystem and aims to expose guests to the world around them at every turn. The hotel was designed by Enrico Daffonchio, who have been building with an astute awareness of energy resources as well as placing a heavy emphasis on integrating materials as graphic elements in their own right since 1966. As a result, visitors experience a total immersion in the natural grandeur of Kruger National Park while taking a leading part in South Africa’s eco-tourism movement at the same time.
Unlike traditional bush lodges, the Outpost does not strive for a mix of colonial and local traditions but rather creates a totally new vocabulary using the elements of steel, canvas and aluminium in a very contemporary design concept. Fold-away sides allow maximum views. Indeed the spectacle outside is turned into a real treat by being given a 180-degree panorama of the park... from the bathroom where organically shaped bathtubs sit on polished concrete floors. A more, well, public refreshment is the starkly simple rectangular pool. Along side which, the clean lines of the bespoke lounge furniture, covered in blue-and-white striped canvas, give an edge to the abundant natural shapes around it.
The hotel is part of a unique partnership with the local Makulele tribe, who will eventually take ownership and meanwhile benefit from part of the proceeds, as well as gaining quality training in the worldly ways of hotel management and also employment at the hotel. If you happened to need any further reason to go to The Outpost, then that is surely a good one. |
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