The design of Murugo Bay invites you to feel at home — not just in comfort, but in connection with the land, the lake, and the people around you. Its architectural language reflects a deep connection to place and a spirit of gathering, reflection, and belonging.
Inspired by pre-colonial Rwandan vernacular architecture, the rounded structures evoke traditional circular forms — shapes historically used to centre life, community, and continuity. Using natural materials like volcanic rock, thatch, and eucalyptus tree timber, the structures are designed to blend into the landscape in a way that feels organic and intertwined.
The central communal space, linking bridges, and indoor-outdoor transitions emphasize connection — with nature, with self, and with others. The triangular motifs, drawn from Imigongo patterns, add quiet notes of symbolism throughout the space.
Architect Jaime Valasco Pérez's visionary design laid the foundation for Murugo Bay, inspired by his passion for reinterpreting traditional architecture and using local materials. Architect Yannick Miara also brought his expertise to guide the build and bring the vision fully to life, alongside engineers Felix Rubanda, Serge Rutayisire, Felix Tuyizere, and Amaury Fastenakels.
Lush greenery and indigenous plants are woven throughout Murugo Bay, creating a landscape that feels rooted, vibrant, and alive. Paths wind gently through trees and gardens, inviting quiet moments of connection and reflection. These walkways bring the space together in a way that feels organic, reinforcing a sense of integration with nature, self, and others.
Bruno Dushime brought his deep knowledge of the region and its indigenous plants, along with a strong artistic eye, helping to anchor the landscape in its natural context. The planting adds gentle structure — offering shade, softness, and a feeling of harmony with the land. Aimé Legrand Ngabo supported the layout with careful attention to the land’s natural grading and water flow, ensuring the paths and greenery feel like a natural extension of the land, not something placed on top of it.
Every piece at Murugo Bay has been chosen with care to make the space feel like just like home. Artists and designers from Rwanda Clothing, Tugirimana Woodworks, Love Artisan, Laini, Kicirwanda, Toddle Care and Abraham Konga helped create the special look and warm feeling you’ll notice throughout. The custom woodwork, overseen by carpenter Desiré Zihalirwa, reflects the architectural design of Murugo Bay — with Imigongo-inspired carvings and soft, rounded shapes in the furniture that match the gentle curves of Murugo Bay. Nadia Fazal took the lead on overseeing all of the interior design.
