LOCATED IN THE heart of Nairobi’s diplomatic quarter, the MGallery GemForest Hotel, designed by the S+S (Sundukovy Sisters) Design & Architecture Studio, draws on the natural and cultural richness of its surroundings for inspiration.
Nairobi takes its name from a Maasai phrase meaning ‘cool water’, referring to the river that flows through the city. The surrounding nature and the owners’ precious gemstone business were key inspirations that shaped the interiors of this premium boutique hotel.
The forest almost flows into the contemporary, see-through, asymmetric crystalline building through a lush green entrance, providing a smooth transition point from the outside in. Gems, crystals, greenery, light and water are central components in this aquatic forest metaphor. Organic, geometrical shapes and colours are placed in the lobby, referencing jewels presented on a minimalistic background of light grey walls.
S+S brought the forest inside even more with a sky-lit atrium space, filling it with water and large banana trees. An open-air bar extends into the building. A dramatic design combining glass transparency, iridescence, greenery and cutting-edge tech unfolds around the bar to shape the aquatic aesthetic, while reception and bar counters are made of transparent glass bricks. Soft-touch and comfort are introduced through upholstery in intense, vibrant colours on furniture with smooth and curvy lines.
In guest rooms, precious gemstone-coloured furniture stands out against the warm white background of surrounding walls. A specially designed system of prisms and spotlights behind the headboard creates a magical effect on the walls. A coloured stripe of glass in the bathroom wall continues the interplay of light, changing the room’s atmosphere throughout the day.
The glass is transparent on one side and frosted on the other, ensuring privacy.
The swimming pool area invites guests to submerge in the cool waters during the daytime, making use of the deck chairs placed directly in the pool while observing the effects of water glowing on the floor through a glass sidewall.
The S+S team worked carefully to introduce references to Africa that were not too obvious, revealing them in subtle details such as carpets, art and decorations, including metal and fabric fringe that appear here and there. Mostly local materials and suppliers were used in order to save budget and maintain a sustainable approach, while an abundance of green shades, live greenery, and local organic materials such as shells, emerald, marble, gold and wood magnify the beauty of naturally occurring earth and water elements. www.sundukovy.com
