Cheetah Plains – a modernist architectural gem

Deep within the African bush, in the heart of Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, design and nature lovers will find Cheetah Plains – a modernist architectural gem dreamt up and brought to life by the combined creative minds at SAOTA and ARRCC.

Or, at least, so the story started…for today, the spectacular design has found its way to Venice, Italy.

It’s here where Cheetah Plains is currently being showcased as part of SAOTA, ARRCC and Poliform’s LIGHT SPACE LIFE exhibition at the Venice Biennale.

Inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds it, “the buildings and interiors are consciously restrained but layered in form, detail, and materiality,” explains ARRCC director and interior architect Jon Case of the project they chose to showcase. 

“They create a sensory platform to experience the African bush in its purest form.”

The design story is such that it transcends continents, imbuing the exhibition with a raw naturality. A sense of African-ness, ever-present in the environment, is abstracted into the Interiors and is reflected in the materials. From the rough stone walls, individually stacked by hand, to hand-blown glass chandeliers, every facet of the design speaks to Africa, its people and their skills.

“Nature acted as our reference throughout the creation of the interior design pieces, in tone, colour, material and form, these items were then crafted and shaped by hand, there was no reference or reliance upon mass production, machined goods,” says Case.

“The design explores the creative tension between our contemporary human existence and the primal natural world,” adds Stefan Antoni, SAOTA principal and founder. 

“Through the architecture and interior design, we strive to forge connections and contrasts that enable meaningful encounters with nature.”

The exhibition is on until 26 November.