Organic architecture shapes new Suyian Lodge in Kenya

Domed timber roofs, stone cladding and an emphasis on natural materials define Suyian Lodge, a new safari resort in Kenya’s Laikipia region designed by British practice Michaelis Boyd with South African firms Nicholas Plewman Architects and Fox Browne Creative.

Set within the 17,806 hectare Suyian Conservancy, the project delivers 15 standalone villas for luxury operator andBeyond, along with a suite of communal facilities designed to function entirely off grid.

GALLERY

The design team has created a series of buildings that sit lightly within the vast conservancy. Alongside the villas, the resort contains a bar, restaurant, lounge, wellness centre, pool and a dedicated photo editing suite. All structures were built from natural materials and positioned to minimise disturbance to the surrounding terrain.

Co founder Alex Michaelis said the remote, ecologically sensitive setting shaped every design decision. He noted that the domed villa forms echo the granite outcrops found throughout the reserve and that the colour and texture of the architecture were selected to blend into the terrain. He described the architecture as feeling as though it has emerged organically from the landscape.

Suyian Lodge is dispersed across several buildings rather than concentrated in a single complex. Fourteen of the villas offer one bedroom layouts, while a larger two bedroom villa completes the accommodation. Each villa follows the contours of the site and is oriented towards the sunrise. Broad terraces sit beneath timber canopies that frame views across the reserve.

The domed geometry was selected to create a sense of spaciousness within the living and sleeping areas. In the wellness building, rotating timber shutters allow the facade to be entirely opened to the landscape. Locally sourced stone and earth toned render wrap the external walls. Fox Browne Creative oversaw interiors, which feature pale lime plaster and dark timber to maintain a calm, grounded feel.

Michaelis noted that the vegetation covered domes establish a distinct architectural identity and that each villa is arranged as three interconnected domed volumes. These accommodate a living space, bedroom and bathroom with vaulted ceilings throughout, all flowing onto a full length terrace with a plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Images by &Beyond/Dook via Dezeen