Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects

Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Interior Photography, BrickGheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior PhotographyGheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior PhotographyGheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior PhotographyGheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - More Images+ 21

  • Clients: Nature & Culture plc
  • Landscape Design: Alberto Ballestriero
  • Lighting Design: Gianandrea Gazzola
  • Plasterwork: Guido De Luigi
  • Furniture Design: Giuseppe Tommasi, Nicole Cieri, Paola Viesi
  • Local Architects: RAAS Architect, Addis Ababa, ET
  • Electrical Design Works: FASTEK Consult plc, Addis Ababa, ET
  • Sanitary & Mechanical Design Works: SANMECH Consult plc, Addis Ababa, ET
  • City: Hawzen
  • Country: Ethiopia
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Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography
© Nicole Cieri

Text description provided by the architects. The project is born through the client’s desire to build a lodge completely disconnected from the frantic city life, where the guests could be surrounded by nature and enjoy the view of the spectacular Mountains, punctuated with rocky churches, of the Gheralta massif, in northern Ethiopia. The lodge is designed bearing in mind the all-Italian concept of the “albergo diffuso”, which means literally “widespread hotel”.

Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography
© Paola Viesi
Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Image 21 of 26
Site plan
Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography
© Paola Viesi

Rather than being a single large structure, this receptive form consists of multiple smaller buildings, which are dislocated along the paths and lanes that become open-air horizontal connections. Thus, allowing the total enjoyment of the surroundings, nature and architecture merge, offering breath-taking views.

Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography
© Nicole Cieri
Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Image 25 of 26
Villa section
Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Interior Photography, Bedroom, Wood
© Paola Viesi

The constructions take on the concept of the central courtyard, used in traditional local architecture. In a hostile environment burned by the sun and beaten by the wind, man seeks shelter. Home is an enclosed space and the void on the inside is its fulcrum; the traditional patio is looking up to the sky.

Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Nicole Cieri

To achieve a synthesis between modernity and tradition, as well as pursue a strategy of durability and cost reduction, it was decided to rely on local materials, the same ones used for centuries by the Tigrinya farmers: dry-stone walls, wooden ceilings and green roofs. Thanks to the exclusive use of this native technology, tailored for the semi-arid climate, comfort is guaranteed inside the buildings.

Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects - Exterior Photography
© Nicole Cieri

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Project location

Address:Hawzen, Ethiopia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Gheralta Lodge I / Giuseppe Tommasi + Nicole Cieri Architects" 14 Sep 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/947379/gheralta-lodge-i-nicole-cieri-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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