andBeyond - Phinda Vlei Lodge – Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Unlike any other lodges on the reserve, the lodge interior design is inspired by the elegant homesteads of the sugarcane and pineapple barons which still exist in the region.
THE BRIEF
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, built in 1997, was originally modelled on a South East Asian plantation style dwelling. Its identity had eroded over the years. Our brief, in partnership with architect Jack Alexander, was to re-imagine Phinda Vlei Lodge and give it a strong identity, keeping the plantation style vernacular but making it more relevant to its subtropical Kwazulu Natal location.
THE INSPIRATION
Unlike any other lodges on the reserve, the lodge interior design is inspired by the elegant homesteads of the sugarcane and pineapple barons which still exist in the region.
THE RESULT
A nostalgic interior filled with elegant English antiques, rich timber finishes, tropical banana leaf wallpaper, cane & rattan, botanical prints and Brass details. By adding a contemporary dining pavilion, we managed to extend the footprint of the guest areas, creating generous outdoor dining areas and bringing the guests close to the vlei waterhole.
