Tucked into the Borana Conservancy, Kenya, the luxury retreat Arijiju, designed by the architecture firm Nicholas Plewman – Architects Associates, blends in seamlessly to its landscape. Arranged around an open central courtyard, the arched colonnade surround is a nostalgic threshold between the inside and outside spaces, partly being sculpted into its surroundings. Combining contemporary re-interpreted elements such as large Crittall glazing with Swahili curves, the design becomes reminiscent of its surrounding context.
The materials they used were stone and wood, all local. Landscaped roofs have a dual purpose of cooling the building in the Kenyan climate as well as creating a minimally invasive footprint on the environment. Interior designer Maira Koutsoudakis combined a blend of African-inspired rustic chic with natural color palettes to create the project. The house features five luxurious suites and the main common areas include a dining room and lounge at the height of sophistication, a lounge bar, a gym, copper baths, indoor and outdoor showers and a spa with a hammam that communicates with outdoor terraces in levels.
