A boutique, family owned hotel in a secluded spot of Zanzibar showcases itself as a new age design forward hotel. Dubai in the 90’s was one of the many influences for this project alongside nature, magazines, music and people. The quiet and rugged area is humble, as is the structure build upon it. 

Pavilions are designed multi functionally: guests can opt to easily meet neighbours with the open space, yet the structure still has the ability to cater to privacy; whilst intending to host MovNat – natural movement – practices such as yoga and meditation.

Likewise, for disconnecting and reconnecting, the easily accessible level rooftops were designed as a spacious platform for visitors to appreciate the nature they are immersed in, by setting their sights on an unspoilt sunset and gazing at the stars in a clear, unpolluted sky.

Aesthetically, the amorphous exterior crafted from the local coral limestone offers an organic, tactile and minimal façade which is synonymous to the interior. The stone clad walls feature alongside tadelakt concrete for a rustic, industrial finish blended with eastern influences in the colour palette and natural materials. Terrazzo effect tiles behind the basin area are another nod to heritage, hand-crafted surfaces offering a perfect backdrop for simplistic sanitary ware such as the sleek square design countertop basin and wall hung WC – to maintain the paired back design style. Brushed Nickel brassware both blends to grey tones in the bedroom and bathrooms, whilst creating a cool contrast to warm rocky walls of an almost-outdoor shower in the neutral colour scheme. Continuing with organic textures, the Bagnoquartz bathtub has an inviting, smooth texture crafted from neighbouring African minerals – the white tone both coordinated to gloss white sanitary ware and compliments tactile wall finishes.

Shehab Hamad, Director of Kizikula explains “Our materials were inspired by the architecture of traditional villages and interiors of Stone Town, to stay true to the local environment. Creating a sensual connection with nature was the most important element in bathroom design – which led to the decision for all bathrooms to feature open air showers.”

Mixing materials is a nod to biophilic design, and a perfect way to incorporate the outside inside as seen with this open-plan, rural retreat. Discover more about Industrial and Biophilic designs in our Inspiration Section.