and sheets of glass. “The idea was always to redefine luxury and
usher in a new language of African design for safari,” says ARRCC
director of interior design Mark Rielly. “The result is interiors that
are at once uniquely African, yet undeniably modern with natural
finishes and sophisticated detailing.”
A unique sense of place is carried through in the abundant
use of locally sourced natural materials and bespoke designs
handmade by local artisans. Organic natural forms are abstracted
in the patterns, forms, and rhythms of the interior design. The
curvature of the black steel flues of the fireplaces, for example,
contrasts artfully with the straight lines of the architecture. Richly
textured fabrics, aged leathers, and wood grains have been subtly
offset with sleek details in gold, bronze, and black.
Many of the furniture pieces were custom designed by
ARRCC and OKHA in collaboration with local craftsmen,
including Colin Rock, Pierre Cronje and Gerrit Giebel. Once-
Cheetah Plains
off Pierre Cronje dining tables, each made from a single
sheet of leadwood, establish a central feature in each house.
Suspended above them, hand-blown glass chandeliers by
Martin Doller reflect and refract the natural light from the
surrounding bushveld. Each bar has been hand-carved from
a single block of Travertine. The walls are adorned with a
thoughtfully curated selection of original South African artworks,
many specifically commissioned from both established
and up-and-coming contemporary local artists. The public
sculptures include cheetah by Arend Eloff and wild dogs
by Gail Catlin.
“The story of the design is a collaborative vision that carefully
explores the considered design of every element and their
materials to reveal their natural beauty and purest form, shaping
elements that are raw and transforming them into objects of
luxury,” says Rielly.
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