FOCUS 49
LOCATED IN THE heart of Nairobi’s diplomatic quarter, the MGallery GemForest Hotel, designed by the S+S (Sundukovy Sisters) Design & Architecture Studio, draws on the natural and cultural richness of its surroundings for inspiration. Nairobi takes its name from a Maasai phrase meaning ‘cool water’, referring to the river that flows through the city. Te surrounding nature and the owners’ precious gemstone business were key inspirations that shaped the interiors of this premium boutique hotel. Te forest almost flows into the contemporary, see-through, asymmetric crystalline building through a lush green entrance, providing a smooth transition point from the outside in. Gems, crystals, greenery, light and water are central components in this aquatic forest metaphor. Organic, geometrical shapes and colours are placed in the lobby,
referencing jewels presented on a minimalistic background of light grey walls.
S+S brought the forest inside even more with a sky-lit atrium space, filling it with water and large banana trees. An open-air bar extends into the building. A
dramatic design combining glass transparency, iridescence, greenery and cutting-edge tech unfolds around the bar to shape the aquatic aesthetic, while reception and bar counters are made of transparent glass bricks. Soft-touch and comfort are introduced through upholstery in intense, vibrant colours on furniture with smooth and curvy lines.
In guest rooms, precious gemstone-coloured furniture stands out against the warm white background of surrounding walls. A specially designed system of prisms and spotlights behind the headboard creates a magical effect on the walls. A coloured stripe of glass in the bathroom wall continues the interplay of light, changing the room’s atmosphere throughout the day. Te glass is transparent on one side and frosted on the other, ensuring privacy.
Te swimming pool area invites guests to submerge in the cool waters during the daytime, making use of the deck chairs placed directly in the pool while observing the effects of water glowing on the floor through a glass sidewall.
Project
Desert Rock, Saudi Arabia
DESERT ROCK IS part of an ambitious eco- tourism development in Saudi Arabia, set among 11,000 square miles of islands, beaches, desert, mountains and volcanic areas. Carved directly into the Hejaz mountains, the resort comprises 60 keys, including villas, ridge-side suites, and a series of rooms excavated into the rock itself. Oppenheim Architecture designed new spaces and experiences within buildings that are intended to disappear within the tectonic landscape. Indoor and outdoor spaces are located within crevices and caves, or on shaded slopes, utilising the cooler microclimates and minimising solar gain. Tese discrete locations camouflage the architecture during the day, while at night they glow like small lanterns dotted across the site.
Right The project has set out to define new territory for sustainability and sustainable tourism at every level; across planning, construction and operation
Most construction materials have been recycled from the site, and new forms embody the same colours and minerals as their surroundings. Dispersed facilities minimise the resort’s footprint and invite wider site exploration, adventure and discovery. Te interiors are crafted with raw stone, natural textures, and an earthy palette, designed to reflect and complement the surrounding terrain.
oppenoffice.com
Te S+S team worked carefully to introduce references to Africa that were not too obvious, revealing them in subtle details such as carpets, art and decorations, including metal and fabric fringe that appear here and there. Mostly local materials and suppliers were used in order to save budget and maintain a sustainable approach, while an abundance of green shades, live greenery, and local organic materials such as shells, emerald, marble, gold and wood magnify the beauty of naturally occurring earth and water elements.
sundukovy.com
Project MGallery GemForest Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Below S+S brought the forest inside with a sky-lit atrium space, filling it with water and large banana trees
PHOTO: CHRIS TERRY
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