By Rami Moorosi, Project Consultant Monique Lombard, Property Co-ordinator Jay van der Westhuizen, Photography Nic Baleta
Situated in Centurion Gauteng, The Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre is an endeavour that explores and celebrates the rich traditions, history and splendour of North Africa and Morocco.
The site is situated adjacent to the Hennops River overlooking the Zwartkops Nature Reserve. It is also part of a larger development including offices, a chapel and an events, and wedding facility on the banks of the Hennops River.
Design and project architect from Studious Architects, Derick Britz goes on to explain: “We interpreted our design brief to address business needs, which included the surrounding office park development and adjacent headquarters of Mercedes Benz – providing conference and event facilities, executive boardrooms, break-away rooms, a business centre, a la cart restaurant, coffee shop, bar and cigar lounge facilities incorporated.”
The design consists of mainly two buildings, and on the ground floor is the conference and business facilities separate from the restaurant, bar and lounges. The building shapes are rectangular and designed as wings opening into open courtyards. The sense of intimacy within the hotel as well as in the courtyards was important in creating an environment for business as well as guests attending events.
The interiors and the theme of the hotel is Moroccan and is representative of courtyard living in an African context. “It was with the interior that we had a more artistic approach and free hand to do what we envisaged. With this we were assisted by the interior designer, Beaulah Vári, in conjunction with the professional team and service providers. Every detail was conceptualised, discussed and then finalised resulting in the product we can now offer to the public,” adds Gert.
Vári says: “We were very privileged that our client had no fixed idea in the beginning of this project and requested us to recommend a possible theme, thus giving me enormous creative license. Passionate about Moroccan interior, I immediately visualised two majestic Moroccan-patterned elephants as a departure point in luxurious space and we baptised it ‘The Royal Elephant Hotel’.”
A profusion of sofas, cushions and curtains placed between the lime-washed walls further attest to the richness of the Moroccan-style interior decor. The theme has been produced using a cross pollination between the flamboyant Moroccan style and traditional overtones of Africa culminating in a unique fusion of styles synonymous with this continent.
Easily assessible from major motorways and business centres of Gauteng, this hotel and conference centre offers lavish accommodation, exceptional cuisine, and a diversity of events and meeting alternatives. The Royal Elephant provides the ultimate leisure and business experience.
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