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.
