Mjejane Game Reserve by Architects of Justice

WORDS Cheri Morris

Bordering the Crocodile River and Kruger National Park, a Mjejane Game Reserve bush lodge combines the ultimate luxury wildlife experience with innovative, responsible design.

Designed by Gauteng-based architectural design studio Architects of Justice, this five-bedroom retreat on the reserve enjoys a scenically South African bushveld view of the teeming Crocodile River on the northern boundary and sweeping scenes of a peaceful greenbelt dotted with warthogs on the eastern edge.

Strict flora conservation guidelines required the lavish retreat to be built around existing vegetation without disturbing any fynbos or flora. The innovative design was executed with little welding thanks to off-site fabrication and bolted connections, while a four phase erection insured there was no need to clear any land and disturb wildlife with loud noises or storage of building materials.

A seamless connection to the great outdoors is created through the use of panoramic glass windows that welcome a flood of natural light, doors and fin walls that direct guests to the vast beauty of the bush and simple building materials that blend into the greens and browns of the surrounds. The design crown jewel of this wild residence is the seemingly unsupported roof that extends to a 13 m butterfly cantilever over the boma and keeps curious chimps off the roof and warthog families from taking up residence below the suspended wooden deck.

Fancy waking up to the Big Five at this sauve set-up? Find out more about Mjejane Game Reserve, here.

(h/t) designboom.com