The Nest opened for guests on February 1, 2019.
Image courtesy of: Tallis Journey
Architecture
Porky Hefer’s “The Nest”
When someone says that they were inspired by birds’ communal dwellings, a spectacular design isn’t what naturally comes to mind. Nevertheless, The Nest at Sossus is a luxurious Namibian hideaway which is winning awards for design… and we know exactly why!
Very similar to the sociable weaver’s nests, The Nest is made almost entirely of thatch.
Image courtesy of: Design Boom
The sociable weaver’s nest was the inspiration for this design. Award-winning architect, Porky Hefer spent eight years on this unique project, including a three-year build. Along with Swen Bachran, the owner of the 24,000 hectare conservatory, the two dreamed up this creation when they were on a survey trip to the site.
Observing the sociable weaver birds’ labyrinthine nests, they realized that these dwellings house hundreds of birds. Within the nest are different rooms which are used according to temperature. For example, outer, cooler spaces are used during daytime hours and interior rooms are occupied during the night when the temperature plummets.
Hefer drew every single detail of this design.
Image courtesy of: Animal Farm
The nearest town is roughly 80 miles away and the private lodge is almost completely hidden within the surrounding landscape. Natural insulation is provided by the thatching which is made from reeds sourced from the banks of the Zambezi River. The thatching is clad onto a steel inner structure. Finally, the walls are made from handmade bricks clad with granite from the site.
About the process, Hefer said, “It was an organization process. We built everything on site using local artisans and materials in the traditional style of the area. Building off the grid was both a difficulty and a blessing. It meant we could do what we wanted but logistically it was insane”.
This area of Namibia has some of the most unforgettable landscapes of sunburnt orange sand dunes and vast canyons.
Image courtesy of: Conde Nast Traveller, photographed by: Michael Turek
A more beautiful area would be hard to find. Heavily populated by wildlife due to the almost year-round natural pools and waterfalls, there is talk about reintroducing antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and big cats to the area after miles of fencing was removed from the preserve’s edge.
Hefer said that he experienced challenges that he’d never experienced before. At one point, baboons dismounted the outdoor shower and a leopard cub set up residence under the foundation.
At the Namib Tsaris Conservatory, a sociable weaver’s nest.
Image courtesy of: Magzeter, photographed by: Katinka Bester
The Nest is only available for exclusive use which aids in the feeling of relaxation for the families and/or friends who come together to enjoy this unique experience.
While more and more tourists start putting Namibia on their lists, Bachran continues to grow the reserve. He remains passionate about rehabilitating the area that was ruined after a hundred years’ worth of bad farming practices.
