What we´re about:

In 1992, two brothers, Abré and Niël, set up Crafford and Crafford Architects. Their initial aim to develop eco-sensitive designs for ecotourism led them to the creation of a new kind of architecture: an architecture that is firmly based on the human experience of any specific environment; architecture that is as much an art as it is a craft; architecture that places ecology as its highest priority both in rural and urban settings. We want our designs to fit in with nature, instead of forcing nature to step aside. Through visiting sites and being involved in the choice of proposed sites, we ensure that we develop site-specific designs that enhance the natural attractions and context of any specific piece of land.

We think of this as "Architecture without boundaries" because our architecture is a part of the landscape; it has no beginning or end.

People often think of buildings as things we go to, but at Crafford and Crafford, we think of buildings as things that take us places. Just walk into one of our creations and you´ll know what we mean. Our architecture is about realness, authenticity, and getting back to essences. We call this eco-minimalism. Architecture is an inherently complex discipline, but we aim to keep our concepts & solutions clear and simple with ecological design and sustainable construction.

We do what we do because we´re passionate about people, and we want our structures to be about human experience in the now and in the long term.

This applies to the local people who help with the building of our designs, as well as to the people who end up using and living in our creations.

Fifteen years of experience in the field of eco-architecture (50 lodges, 25 camps and 20 resorts later) has taught us a lot - about alternative materials, old, forgotten crafts, and humankind´s naturally ability for creating habitable spaces; indeed, we´ve learned much more than we could ever explain here - and to our great delight, continue to learn. The bottom line of for all of us is this: this is not something we do, it is something we are and something we love. Our architecture is something we live.

See our CV's:
Company CV
Abré Crafford
Niël Crafford
Selected Lodges and Camps