VOID Studios, a UK-based architectural practice, has been awarded the commission to design a new Conservation Centre at Oloololo Gate in Kenya’s Masai Mara, on behalf of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.
Selected anonymously out of 100 entries from 32 countries, VOID Studios' winning design seamlessly blends traditional Maasai patterns with contemporary architectural lines. The judging panel, unaware of the architects' identities, praised the design as "a visually captivating experience that fosters curiosity and a sense of wonder”.
Driven by a deep passion for conservation and a commitment to its Kenyan roots, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) initiated this project to foster greater understanding of the Masai Mara's delicate ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the Maasai people.
Image: VOID Studios
Reuben Makau, Director at A&K Kenya, said: “At A&K Philanthropy, we believe in the power of partnership and the importance of honoring local knowledge. We are thrilled that VOID Studios will be collaborating with a Kenyan architect on this landmark project. This collaboration ensures that the Conservation Centre will not only be a stunning architectural achievement but also a true reflection of Kenya's rich heritage and its commitment to a sustainable future."
The Masai Mara Conservation Centre project is deeply committed to engaging local expertise and ensuring the project benefits the Kenyan community and economy. In line with this commitment, over two-thirds of the project budget will be invested directly into the local economy through the use of local resources, materials, and skilled labour.
The project will prioritise ethical sourcing of materials and green building practices, including solar power and rainwater harvesting. The goal is to seek sustainability accreditation, and create a Conservation Centre that not only educates visitors about sustainability but also embodies these principles in its very design.
VOID Studios will now collaborate with Kenyan architect Paul Mungai, and other local partners including Dr Lawrence Mbugua and Johnpaul Muwanika whose insight will help to ensure the design is culturally sensitive and incorporates sustainable practices that respect the local environment.
Florence Nyole, President of AAK, said: “The Architectural Association of Kenya congratulates the international architectural competition winner for the Maasai Mara Conservation Centre carried out by the Royal British Institute of Architects and Abercrombie & Kent in collaboration with Mara Triangle and the Architectural Association of Kenya.
“The winner has already made significant progress by collaborating with a team of registered Kenyan professionals. The involvement of Kenyan experts in finalizing the design, overseeing construction, and completing the project will foster international knowledge exchange, ensure cultural sensitivity, and directly benefit local businesses in Kenya
“We look forward to the final reveal of the built visitor centre and wish the team all the best in its realisation.”
Ian Sanders, Director and Co-Founder of Void Studios, said: “Our proposed Masai Mara Conservation Hub and Visitor Centre embodies a holistic approach to ecological and cultural preservation. Local materials are weaved together with unique Masai cultural features, to create an engaging educational visitor experience, whilst reinforcing the connection between conservation efforts and cultural heritage.
“Much of the success of the proposal is owed to the collaboration with our consultant partners in Kenya. We are grateful for their insight and professionalism throughout the design process, and we are excited to engage with the local communities to deliver a project of this significance in one of the world’s most iconic ecological and cultural landscapes, the Masai Mara.”
