Qu illuminates Haroo Dendi Lodge: light meets the Ethiopian landscape
Qu lighting solutions complement Westway’s architectural project on the shores of Lake Dendi, in Ethiopia, enhancing pathways, communal areas, and spaces dedicated to hospitality.
On the shores of Lake Dendi in Ethiopia, architecture meets landscape in a project that seeks a balance between nature, tradition, and contemporary design. This is Haroo Dendi Lodge, a five-star resort designed by the firm Westway. Lighting designer Marco Stignani developed a major lighting scheme for the entire complex, incorporating solutions for both interiors and exteriors that combine functionality, formal sophistication, and perceptual quality.
The complex is situated on the eastern shore of the lake, on a slope with a 51-meter elevation change and a 21% gradient. The architectural layout follows the site’s contour lines, organizing the buildings into three horizontal tiers to minimize earthworks and preserve the original topography. The resort consists of three main buildings and a series of independent lodges, linked by a road that runs along the lake and integrated into a spatial system that emphasizes the continuity between interior and exterior environments.
This same sensitivity toward the setting informs the choice of materials and the architectural language. Raw earth, timber, and local stone harmonize with the colors of the landscape, while the roofs, conceived as architectural surfaces visible along the slope, help integrate the complex into the site’s natural profile. The design of the accommodations draws inspiration from the Oromo tradition, reinterpreted through distinct volumes for the sleeping and living areas, connected by a covered transitional space.
In this scenario, the lighting design curated by Marco Stignani allowed Qu’s fixtures to become an integral part of the architectural experience.The lighting fixtures are positioned according to the various intended uses: they guide movement, make changes in elevation clearly perceptible, and highlight architectural elements, helping to create distinct atmospheres tailored to each specific setting. Light thus becomes a tool for orientation and for interpreting spaces, strengthening the dialogue between architecture and the landscape.
Outdoors, the Rocchetto Paletto bollard accompanies pathways with a discreet presence, enhanced by the bronze finish selected for the project. Its body, crafted from turned, oxidized aluminum and treated with specialized surface finishes, is engineered to withstand even harsh atmospheric conditions. A resin-sealed ring protects the LED engine and prevents water from pooling, ensuring the optical area remains clean, even when installed with an upward-facing beam. Furthermore, the availability of posts in various heights, along with diverse mounting systems, allows the product to be tailored to the specific characteristics of its environment.
Along stairways, the Gladis light source helps define changes in elevation, making movement easier and safer. In the gardens and on the stairs of the Sporting Center, Brillo introduces a more evocative presence: its graceful, fluid forms, subtle transparencies, and soft light define its character, creating a dialogue with the natural surroundings. With two diffuser heights and five stem lengths to choose from, as seen in the Ethiopian project, the fixtures can be installed at varying levels, adding rhythm and depth to the overall lighting design.
In the spa, Rocchetto Binario is paired with OndaLED Side profiles, creating a composition that alternates between adjustable spotlights and integrated linear light elements. Rocchetto Binario is distinguished by its compact, 35 mm-diameter cylindrical head, which can be rotated 360° on the vertical axis and 90° on the horizontal axis. Five available optics allow for precise control over light distribution, while the turned aluminum body, offered in a range of standard and custom finishes, provides great compositional flexibility. OndaLED Side is a compact, resin-encapsulated flexible light strip, featuring an IP68 protection rating. The various color options for the resin and the PVC sheath facilitate integration into the architecture, while the different cable-exit configurations expand the range of potential applications. In a spa setting, the profile traces the side walls with a subtle luminous line, helping to define the space without making it feel visually heavy.
Finally, Rocchetto finds a further application in illuminating the lodge numbering, making it easier to identify individual units while ensuring design consistency throughout the project.
Every Qu product undergoes rigorous testing in a sophisticated climatic chamber. This advanced equipment allows for the verification of the products’ IP protection ratings and the simulation of extreme environmental conditions, including exposure to neutral and acetic salt spray. This ensures that the products qualify as “marine grade”, ready to withstand the challenges of even the harshest environmental conditions.
From outdoor pathways to wellness areas, Qu’s solutions address diverse needs through specific technical and formal features, all within a cohesive lighting design. At Haroo Dendi Lodge, light complements the architecture, accentuating its geometric forms and enhancing its connection to the landscape, ultimately shaping the guest experience even after sunset.
Project: Westway
Location: Dendi – Etiopia
Lighting Designer: Marco Stignani
Lighting: Qu
Ph Credits: Eller Studio, Aron Simeneh