INTERIOR DESIGN BRIEF
YAOUNDÉ ATHLETICS & WELLNESS HOTEL
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GENERAL CONTEXT
This project involves transforming a 14,000 m² space located in the basement of Yaoundé's main stadium. The ambition is to create the first upscale sports and wellness hotel in Central Africa, combining accommodation, athletic performance, recovery, nutrition, and cultural identity.
The hotel will include:
70 standard rooms (22–26 m²)
12 suites (40–50 m²)
A restaurant and nutrition bar
A Wellness & Recovery Spa
A Sports & Medical Performance Lab
Coworking spaces, relaxation and mobility areas (yoga, pilates)
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DESIGN OBJECTIVES
1. Create an immersive, modern, high-end environment rooted in Cameroonian cultural and athletic values.
2. Deliver a unique guest experience through the fusion of health, comfort, nutrition, identity, and performance.
3. Showcase the excellence of African craftsmanship through refined, functional aesthetics.
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FUNCTIONAL ZONING & CULTURAL INTEGRATION
1. RECEPTION & LOBBY
Contemporary mural inspired by the Ekang or Tikar traditions
Suspended balafon, sculpture, or installation by a local artist
Noble materials: padauk wood, Mbalmayo stone, raffia
Soundscape inspired by softened pygmy melodies
2. ROOMS & SUITES
Decor referencing traditional textiles: Ndop, Kotou, stylized pagnes
Sculpted panels or Bamiléké motifs as headboards
High-end bedding, circadian lighting, acoustic insulation
Suites with recovery corner or cryo-shower station
3. RESTAURANT & NUTRITION BAR
Reimagined Cameroonian gastronomy: vegan Ndolé, ginger broth, detox foléré
Natural ambiance: light wood furniture, pottery, native greenery
Name suggestion in local language (e.g., "Mbamba", "Nsaa")
4. PERFORMANCE LAB
Modern spaces for VO2 max testing, lactate analysis, posture, 24h biometrics
Bilingual signage (French / decorative local language)
Portraits or quotes from national sports icons
5. WELLNESS & RECOVERY SPA
Cold water pools, cryotherapy, light therapy, sauna, hammam
Sports massage cabins using local oils (shea, eucalyptus, neem)
Mineral ambiance: volcanic rock, natural soundscape
6. BREATHING / MOBILITY ROOM
Yoga/Pilates studio, zen atmosphere
Flooring inspired by traditional mats
Wall art with geometric patterns from Bamoun or Nguon traditions
7. CIRCULATION & SIGNAGE
Color-coded areas referencing Cameroon's regions
Signage inspired by athletics: track lines, topographical design elements
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STYLE & PALETTE
Colors: Terracotta, jungle green, ebony black, sand, copper
Materials: African wood, stoneware, woven fibers, brass
Ambiances: lighting adapted for performance / recovery / relaxation
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EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
1. Moodboard + functional zoning by area
2. Detailed drawings (rooms, lobby, lab, spa, restaurant)
3. Cultural integration visuals by zone
4. 3D renderings (at least 5 visuals)
5. Materials palette & planning for design and execution
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This project aims to deliver a powerful architectural and cultural signature in support of a world-class African sports and wellness hospitality destination.
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