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zabel had the idea and Johan had the tree. They approached Jan Spruyt
Architects and Interior Designers to bring the two together.
The inspiration for the design originated from the desire to preserve the
little piece of bush still remaining in the heart of Windhoek and to create a
place where residents and visitors can enjoy a casual bush experience.
Because Windhoek already has a few rustic restaurants, the design concept was
born “to create a contemporary but still casual bush experience with happiness as
the main ingredient”.
The building was designed to complement the site, be transparent, keep the
visitor visually connected to the veld and completely open up to enjoy Windhoek’s
fantastic weather and sunsets.
The client changed the orientation of the building on the site, but the tree rectifies
this and remains the star of the design.
Jan Spruyt Architects and Interior designers planned the exterior and the interior
simultaneously with the end product in mind.
Finishes and furnishings were to remain rustic but with a contemporary edge.
This resulted in raw concrete floors with steel inlays, timber decking, canvas walls,
timber hand-wash basins, canvas-upholstered benches on one side, played off
against contemporary steel, Perspex and floral furniture with happy colours.
To overcome the security risk of having canvas walls, the design resulted in a
lockable steel canopy covering the “heart of the business”.
Jan Spruyt Architects and Interior Designers designed all the purpose-made
furniture and fittings which were locally sourced and manufactured.
The intention of the owners and the designers is to remain true to the concept
and to make regular interesting changes to the décor and food to keep the Bushbar
an interesting place to visit and be happy, to socialise, have a delicious bite of food
and relax in the bush in the heart of Windhoek.
BUSHBAR
desIgn Namibia October - December 2013