Location: Sossusvlei National Park, Namibia.

Type: Community Public 

Surface: 10,764 SF

Status: Design Development

Honors:

AIA Merit Award - Unbuilt Category 2026

​

Sossusvlei, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Namibia, is renowned for its striking desert landscape and massive dunes reaching up to 300 meters, making it a sought-after destination for photographers. The park faces often above 100 degrees and lacks natural shelters for visitors. The client, holding a 25-year concession to manage the park, tasked the architect with designing a visitors center that will help protect and promote this park and showcase the wonders of this valley.

​

The project’s primary purpose is to protect the delicate dune environment by regulating the shuttle transportation throughout the park, reducing the environmental damage to the dune caused by self-driving visitors. Additional project objectives include providing modern restroom facilities and creating an energy-efficient structure.

Visually, the building integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the flowing shapes of the dunes.

​

The design utilizes locally sourced CLT assemblies, triple-insulated glass, and a super-insulated roof to optimize energy performance. Other sustainable features also include a septic tank system, water harvesting, a greywater system, and a photovoltaic array to preserve natural resources during operations.

​

It’s circular schemes offer 360 views to nature’s stunning landscape, blending a dynamic impression and serene stance of the desert.​