sossusvlei lodge is a sustainable getaway in the heart of africa's namib desert

designed by fox browne creative in partnership with architect jack alexander, andbeyond’s sossusvlei desert lodge offers a unique hotel experience in the middle of the namib desert in namibia. the project brief entailed the clever repurposing of an existing building from the 1990s to create a contemporary yet timeless architecture, while staying appropriate to the incredible natural landscape. 

all images courtesy of fox browne creative

when approaching the design both fox browne and jack alexander sought to embrace the natural topography and colors of the desert locale. the architectural gestures are therefore sensitive to the landscape and comprise of a series of geometric lines made from glass, rock and steel, in contrast to the organic curves and natural forms of the surrounding hills and sand dunes.

the architectural gestures are simple and sensitive to the desert landscape

the ambition of the design team was threefold: create an extraordinary experience for the visitor; design structures in harmony with the natural setting and minimize human impact on this sensitive environment. all three of these have been achieved through the intentional repurposing of the original 1990s buildings to craft a contemporary, yet befitting series of spaces – all punctuated with natural materials and a sense of desert-inspired luxury.

blending in with the natural environment, the guest suites overlook the vast desert

the roofs have been clad in PV panels allowing the buildings to harness the harsh natural environment (where temperatures often reach over 50 degrees celsius), and use the sun to create enough energy to ensure the lodge is entirely self-sustained. the electricity generated is then used to power a series of environmentally responsive air-conditioning and water recycling systems to ensure the lodge positively affects the environment from which its design was derived.

externally, the roofs have been clad in PV panels, allowing the buildings to harness solar energy 

debra fox, co-founder and owner of fox browne creative says of their involvement, ‘we are immensely proud of what we have accomplished as a team providing a luxurious guest experience while minimizing the impact on the extremely, sensitive and natural environment.’

the guest suites have been designed to harness the very harsh conditions of the desert and use it to create solar energy

the size and shape of the pools was calculated specifically in terms of the energy and water consumption that could be off-set

designed by fox browne creative, the color palette of the interiors is inspired by the natural landscape

skylights in the bedrooms allow guests to stargaze africa’s only ‘dark sky reserve’

one of the outdoor dining areas at the lodge, boasting incredible views

an outdoor fire on the veranda of the star dune suite

floor plan of the main guest lodge at andbeyond’s sossusvlei desert lodge

diagram of the roof shades designed by architect jack alexander

project info:

project name: sossusvlei desert lodge

location: namib desert, namibia 

client: andbeyond

interior design: fox browne creative

collaborating architect: jack alexander

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom