BE_Design has designed Virunga Mountain Spirits in Musanze, Rwanda.

Set in the foothills of Rwanda's Virunga volcanoes, this 1,100 square-metre distillery and agro-tourism destination for Virunga Mountain Spirits supports both local farmers and the region's growing tourism economy.

A semi-transparent light and luminous central distillery, showcasing a beautifully engineered copper and stainless steel still, is surrounded by thick volcanic stone walls housing visitor spaces and other supporting spaces.

Drawing from the geometry of surrounding volcanoes and Rwanda's traditional Imigongo patterns, the building merges craft, industry and agricultural landscape.

Constructed with locally sourced materials and a local workforce, this project advances local economic opportunity while celebrating Rwanda's cultural and natural identity.