The Manchester-based practice was chosen ahead of rival bids by Londons Studio Moren, Rome-based DCS + Architects and Australian outfit Hayman + Charlton Architects. It was selected anonymously out of 100 entries from 32 countries.Void Studios winning design blends traditional Maasai patterns with contemporary architecture. The judges called it a visually captivating experience that fosters curiosity and a sense of wonder.The US$750,000 tourism and visitor centre is for Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, the philanthropic arm of travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K). It will provide a 485m focal point for people travelling to the Masai Mara National Reserve.AdvertisementThe two-stage competition sought proposals for an innovative and engaging facility which helps to educate, inspire, and create awareness about conservation and the traditions of the Maasai people.Proposals were asked to integrate elements of local Maasai culture and heritage, and harness eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy sources.The winning team is collaborating with Kenyan architect Paul Mungai and other local partners including Lawrence Mbugua and Johnpaul Muwanika. More than two-thirds of the project budget will be invested directly into the local economy through the use of local resources, materials and skilled labour.A&K Kenya director Reuben Makau said: At A&K Philanthropy, we believe in the power of partnership and the importance of honouring 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 Kenyas rich heritage and its commitment to a sustainable future.AdvertisementThe Masai Mara National Reserve is a large game reserve located in Kenyas Rift Valley Provence, close to the border with Tanzania and the neighbouring Serengeti National Park. The 1,510km2 conservation zone is bordered by Maasai farming settlements to the north, east and west.The Conservation Centre aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and to reflect elements of Maasai culture and heritage to create a harmonious blend between the centre and its surroundings.Competition judges included Florence Nyole, president, Architectural Association of Kenya; Brian Heath managing director of the Mara Triangle; Fernando Delgado, chief product officer at A&K Travel Group; and Keith Sproule, executive director at Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.Nyole said: The Architectural Association of Kenya congratulates the international architectural competition winner for the Maasai Mara Conservation Centre The winner has already made significant progress by collaborating with a team of registered Kenyan professionals. The involvement of Kenyan experts in finalising the design, overseeing construction, and completing the project will foster international knowledge exchange, ensure cultural sensitivity, and directly benefit local businesses in KenyaWe look forward to the final reveal of the built visitor centre and wish the team all the best in its realisation.Void Studios director and co-founder Ian Sanders 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 worlds most iconic ecological and cultural landscapes, the Masai Mara.