Cheetah Plains – Game Changer

The Cheetah Plains game lodge by architecture and interiors studio ARRCC in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, reinvents traditional safari?style architecture to create an altogether new safari experience of nature from within.
The lodge accommodation is split into three separate, private components referred to as the Plains Houses. These, in turn, are made up of clusters of free?standing buildings rather than the typical lodge style of a central communal space surrounded by bedroom suites. Each Plains House has a private arrival courtyard with covered canopy, an expansive open?plan lounge, dining and bar space with adjoining air?conditioned wine room and a private family/media room. These communal living spaces are each surrounded by four standalone bedroom suites, almost large enough to be considered a mini?lodges in their own right.
A unique sense of place is carried through in the abundant use of locally sourced natural materials and bespoke designs handmade by local artisans. Organic natural forms are abstracted in the patterns, forms, and rhythms of the interior design. The curvature of the black steel flues of the fireplaces, for example, contrasts artfully with the straight lines of the architecture. Richly textured fabrics, aged leathers, and wood grains have been subtly offset with sleek details in gold, bronze, and black.
Many of the furniture pieces were custom designed by ARRCC and OKHA in collaboration with local craftsmen.