THE CONCEPT AND INSPIRATION
“The only man I envy is the man who has not been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.” – Richard Mullin
It is so fitting that the driving force behind the creative interpretation of Mthemba Lodge, is Michele Throssell, the niece of the late Dr Ian Player.
The circle is often used in design to represent unity, commitment, love and community. It is apt that the architecture of Mthembu Lodge is built by those connected and committed to the good of the community and environment.
The circle is celebrated throughout the lodge and in its interior design concepts. Expected traditional and rectilinear furniture and spatial planning have been abandoned in favour of soft curves and configurations – more circular in nature, that encourages conversation and the forging of relationships.
The circles tend to be viewed as feminine and so the colour palette is inspired by the natural stone and sand surrounding the lodge – is a delicate yet rich blend of bone, sand, terracotta, dusty pink and chocolate, introduced through the use of stone-washed natural fabrics, soft textures and a rich mix of materials – the ying to the yang of the harder finishes.
Circles have no beginning or end, and they represent the lifecycle – the delicate balance in nature, timelessness, connectivity and eternity.
Mthembu Lodge is configured on the circle, as it plays a meaningful part of shaping the world in this wilderness. Circles hold and contain energy allowing circles of growth to exist within.
A fitting symbolic tribute to the Mthembu Clan – a timeless metaphor of life.
FAQ
What inspired the design of Mthembu Lodge?
The design of Mthembu Lodge was creatively interpreted by Michele Throssell, niece of the late conservationist Dr Ian Player. The lodge draws inspiration from nature, community, connection and the surrounding wilderness. mFulaWozi Wilderness
Why are circles an important part of Mthembu Lodge’s design?
Circles feature throughout the architecture and interior design because they represent unity, commitment, community, connectivity and the lifecycle of nature. The circular configurations are also designed to encourage conversation and relationships between guests. mFulaWozi Wilderness
What inspired the colours used at Mthembu Lodge?
The lodge’s colour palette is inspired by the natural stone and sand of the surrounding landscape. Shades of bone, sand, terracotta, dusty pink and chocolate are combined with natural fabrics, soft textures and a variety of materials. mFulaWozi Wilderness
How does Mthembu Lodge’s interior design reflect its natural surroundings?
Natural colours, stone-washed fabrics, soft textures and curved forms are used throughout the lodge to create a connection between the interiors and the surrounding wilderness. mFulaWozi Wilderness
What does the circular design of Mthembu Lodge represent?
The circular design represents timelessness, connectivity, growth and the delicate balance found in nature. It also serves as a symbolic tribute to the Mthembu Clan and the continuing cycle of life.