Feature... Wild Thing

Monarto Safari Resort. Photography Connor Patterson

Approached by one of Australia’s leading architecture and interior design practices, studio gram, JamFactory was selected to design and manufacture a series of custom ceramic lighting pieces for the newly developed Monarto Safari Resort.

Nestled in South Australia’s scenic Murraylands, Monarto Safari Resort offers a one-of-a- kind escape into nature. Situated beside Monarto Safari Park, the resort provides an invitation for travellers to slow down and reconnect. Striking a compelling balance between the raw beauty of the African wilderness and the distinct character of the Australian landscape, the interior of the resort provides a unique layering of texture, pattern and colour to create a quiet conversation of the two continents.

Reflecting the tones and textures of the surrounding landscape, the lighting elements were thoughtfully Monarto Safari Resort experience, and the lighting was designed with this in mind. The Wall Lights, created by crafted using a fusion of traditional and modern ceramic techniques. The result is a series of pieces that are as functional as they are sculptural – quietly reinforcing the resort’s strong sense of place through form and material.

As the first point of welcome, the reception area sets the tone for the entire South Australian ceramicist Stephanie James-Manttan are a striking introduction to the resort’s emphasis on craft and connection to place. Made using wheel-throwing and hand-carving techniques, the lights offer a unique texture, casting a gentle glow that adds warmth and depth to the arrival space.

The Lift Lights, designed by JamFactory Ceramics Studio Manager Phoebe Kretschmer, were made using slab-building techniques and meticulously hand-carved, showcasing an earthy tactility and creating a strong sculptural presence. The soft tonal palette combined with hand-finished surfaces makes the lights visually striking and echoes the rugged beauty of the park’s natural landscape.

This project embodies a collaborative vision with studio gram – designing elements that feel intrinsically tied to their surroundings. From texture to tone, each piece was thoughtfully crafted to reflect this unified approach.