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*Font Kit Assembly Sold Separately
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A S UPM A R KE T F UR NI TUR E AND I NCR E AS E I N VAL UE B U Y O N L I N E O R V I S I T T H E S TO R E Mirrors | Tables | Chairs | Settees | Sofas Chandeliers | Lanterns | Armoires | Chests Cabinets | Bookcases | Linen Presses Gilded Furniture | Crystal | Silver
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...herringbone floors in beautiful spaces. Cape Town: 021 510 2846 | Paarden Eiland Johannesburg: 011 262 3117 | Sandton Durban: 031 000 1000 | Umhlanga enquir y@oggie.co.za www.oggieflooring.com
VISI
UP FRONT ED’S LETTER p28
CONTRIBUTORS p32
VISI.CO.ZA p36
ts
VISION POOL FURNITURE p38
TERRAZZO FOCUS p46
COOL PLACES p48
DESIGN DECONSTRUCTION: STAATLICHES BAUHAUS p50
VOICES KAREN DUDLEY p57 THANDO NDABEZITHA p59 JONATHAN ANCER p60
TRAVEL DIARY p54
FEATURES NORTH COAST HOME P66 ORCHARDS HOME P76 LINKSFIELD RIDGE HOME P88 WESTCLIFF HOME P100 ORANJEZICHT BOUTIQUE HOTEL P112 BO-KAAP HOTEL P124 NAMIBIAN LODGE P136
REASONS
1. A look at Dokter and Misses' design journey since 2007 p152 2. Romano Cardinal combines Art Deco influences and his own multicultural sense of style p154 3. Architectural photographer Dave Southwood visited the futuristic "Vessel" in New York City p156 4. The University of Pretoria has two striking new buildings on its campus p158 5. Latitudes Art Fair brought together galleries, artists and independent creatives p160 6. Designer Tristan du Plessis shares the inspiration for restaurant Alice & Fifth's award-winning interiors p162 7. Locally crafted furniture collection murrmurr takes inspiration from scenes and textures in nature p164 8. Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is offering guests a unique marine safari experience p166 9. A roundup of the freshest South African swimwear to look cool when the temperature's hot p170 10. The Durban Yacht Mole has a new eatery – 9th Avenue Waterside p172 11. Bang & Olufsen's Beosound Stage is an all-in-one speaker system and a beautiful piece of design p174 12. Toyota and BMW have managed to create two very different cars out of the same DNA p176 13. Gorgeous gifts curated around the year's big trend p178 14. Five of the finest Champagnes to sip on this season. (Psst! They could all be yours) p180 15. Beautiful books for enthusiasts of fashion, art, architecture and gardening p186 16. Wine writer Tshepang Molisana shares her top white wine picks for summer p187 17. Watch the sunset with a sundowner at one of these stylish rooftop bars across the country p188
WIN p62
SMART IDEA p192
COVER IMAGE CREDIT Mona tables by Diabla. Diabla is a brand of the Gandiablasco Group. PS In the previous issue we misprinted one of the commendations of 100% Design South Africa. Special Mention Best Furniture went to takk.
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Seamless flooring leads the way. Bank City Precinct - Johannesburg CBD (3000m2)
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Ed’s
letter
OLIDAYS… They will forever remind me of Scottburgh. And Benoni. Scottburgh, on KZN’s South Coast, was about the Blue Marlin – the quintessential South Coast family hotel, back then it was all kinds of faded ’50s glory with huge mealtime buffets and tons of organised activities for the kids. Most of these involved the big hotel pool … which was also the focal point of Decembers in Benoni. During the school holidays, I’d travel up there from Cape Town to see my dad. Like those described by our columnists this month, they were days spent at the pool, either with mates, swimming in it, or – suddenly with no mates around – cleaning it. Smith the Elder did not believe in those newfangled Kreepy Kraulies. Swimming pools, as you’ll notice, are also something of a thread through this issue. From the cover image and its reference to the outdoor furniture feature on page 38, and the variousshaped pools of the homes and hotels we shot for this issue, to very cool locally made swimwear you can wear while lounging poolside (page 170) and some delicious French champagne you could be sipping on (page 180), this issue of VISI brings the sunshine.
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Happy holidays!
PORTRAIT JAN RAS
STEVE SMITH, EDITOR info@visi.co.za
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Sheila Kennedy
Regional LafargeHolcim Awards winner. Architect, USA.
“ Winning the LafargeHolcim Awards can make clients think differently about the project”
Design competitions boost projects, careers, and networking opportunities. Be part of the 6th International LafargeHolcim Awards for exemplary projects and visionary concepts in sustainable construction. Prize money totals USD 2 million. Independent expert juries evaluate submissions from architecture, engineering, urban planning, materials science, construction technology, and related fields using the “target issues” for sustainable construction of the LafargeHolcim Foundation. www.lafargeholcim-awards.org An initiative of LafargeHolcim, represented in South Africa by
NAFISA AKABOR, TECH JOURNALIST Describe your perfect summer’s day. “I’d be holidaying on an exclusive private island in the Philippines – listed on Airbnb – where all my meals are prepared by a cook. My morning will include short boat trips to other villages, then relaxing on a private beach with a book, followed by a late-afternoon massage.”
Just in time to stream your summer soundtrack, Nafisa reviews the Beosound Stage, Bang & Olufsen’s beautifully designed all-in-one speaker system, on page 174.
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink Editor Steve Smith Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjes Creative Director Mark Serra Designer Marcus Viljoen Managing Editor Samantha Charles Features Editor Amelia Brown Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring Content Producer Michaela Stehr Contributors Ania Rokita, Annette Klinger, Biddi Rorke, Celeste Jacobs, Dave Southwood, David Ross, Diane De Beer, Dook, Elsa Young, Greg Cox, Jan Ras, Jonathan Ancer, Karen Dudley, Kholeka Kumalo, Marijke Willems, Martin Jacobs, Megan Dreyer, Melanie Reeder, Mila Crewe-Brown, Nafisa Akabor, Nechama Brodie, Nkuli Nhleko, Thando Ndabezitha, Tracy Lynn Chemaly, Tshepang Molisana, Zanele Kumalo, Zodwa Kumalo
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Describe your perfect summer’s day. “Nothing beats an Italian summer, so it would be a day spent on the Amalfi Coast’s photo-op island of Capri. Bliss is taking in its cove-studded, rugged coastline from a traditional wooden boat, and swimming in its inky-blue seas. Perfection follows with seafood, watermelon and plenty of falanghina wine at the legendary La Fontelina beach club.”
Durban’s North Coast gets a taste of Malibu, says Martin, who wrote about a beachside family home on page 66.
KHOLEKA KUMALO, WRITER Describe your perfect summer’s day. “I’m in a breezy Superella frock enjoying crisp bubbles, charcuterie, cheese and freshly chilled fruit, dipping in and out of a pool and drying off on a sunny patch of grass all day. It doesn’t matter where I am – as long as I’m with my sisters and friends, and there’s a dope playlist.”
Kholeka has curated the freshest poolside trends to dive into this summer, with proudly South African swimwear on page 170.
PUBLISHING
Group Account Director Raiël le Roux Production Manager Shirley Quinlan
MANAGEMENT
Managing Director Aileen Lamb Commercial Director Maria Tiganis Brand Strategy Director Andrew Nunneley Chief Financial Officer Venette Malone Head of HR Camillah West CEO: Media24 Ishmet Davidson
DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Distribution RNA Distribution Print and digital subscriptions 087 405 2005 (local) +27 21 045 1809 (international) subs@magsathome.co.za
Reproduction New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd Printing CTP Printers Cape Town Published by New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd, New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town 8051 021 417 1111 / newmedia.co.za / visi@visi.co.za
All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor, publisher nor New Media can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. The opinions expressed in the articles may not reflect those of the publisher.
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WE ASKED YOU ONLINE
WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HOUSE, WHAT COUNTS THE MOST?
WIN WITH LE CREUSET Le Creuset recently launched the Cocotte Every, a brand-new piece designed with versatility top of mind. This compact 18cm cast-iron cocotte, which comes with a stoneware inner lid to prevent the contents from boiling over, is perfect for cooking rice, simmering soup or baking bread. We have one to give away in the colour of your choice, worth R2 990. To enter this competition, go to VISI.co.za/win.
21%
60% Location, location, location
4%
The kitchen
The bathroom
15% An outdoor space
#READERLOVE Savouring the latest VISI? We’d love you to tag us in your pics of the new issue on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Living in full bloom @skxller
Our 1948 renovated farmhouse in Menlo Park is featured in this month’s @visi_mag @livesimpledesign
teatime with the exquisite new @visi_mag Live life celebrating beauty. Always #visimagazine #beauty #divinedesign #exportquality #magazine #magazines #design #decor #architecture #vision #thenewt #somerset #southafricandesign #southafrica #suidafrika #redteapot #blomme #thenewtinsomerset #rooi @jessicahewsonza Honoured to have one of our homes showcased in the August/September issue of @visi_mag. To us, the tiniest detail can have the most dramatic impact. This article by Graham Wood and photography by Greg Cox (Bureaux) so beautifully captures the heart and soul we put into designing each and every corner of this house. Thank you, VISI! #visi #veldarchitects #featuredhome #detaileddesign @veldarchitects
INSTANT INSPIRATION Follow @visi_mag on Instagram, where we share some of the best and most beautiful designs from around the globe.
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WORDS LINDI BROWNELL MEIRING FIND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE COMPETITION ON PAGE 62
More than 750 of you took our poll online. Here are the results:
CHAMPAGNE HE B ROOM Select from a variety of colour options to customise and personalise your bathroom, because you are one of a kind.
37 Paarden Eiland Rd, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town +27 21 511 7888 | www.flushbathrooms.co.za info@flushbathrooms.co.za
International directions and local inspirations
WATER BABIES
When it comes to laid-back summer lounging, it’s all about slick, adjustable sunbeds, aerodynamic Porsche-inspired chaise longues, a triangular tribute to the ’70s beanbag, recyclable plastic-mould designs in bright colours, and the return of the classic striped deck chair.
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“I AM DIVIDED BY TWO OPPOSITE WAYS OF THINKING: SUPER MODERNISM AND PAST DESIGNS.” – FRANCESCO ROTA
RIPPLE EFFECT Wave is a contemporary outdoor chaise longue sunbed designed by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti. Hand-woven with rope cord, its adjustable backrest can be set to two positions. Available locally from Il Lusso. paolalenti.it/en | illusso.co.za
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s PORSCHE PROFILE “The 356 is a collection of outdoor furniture inspired by the sinuous and elegant curves of the first Porsche 356 made in the 1940s and 1950s, which bestow ergonomics and comfort on the product,” says José Antonio Gandía-Blasco Canales, who designed the 356 chaise longue with Pablo Gironés. It’s made from 100% recyclable rotation-moulded polyethylene. Available locally from Limeline. diablaoutdoor.com | limeline.co.za
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s BEANBAG REDUX As a tribute to the bean bag of the 1970s, designer HĂŠctor Serrano came up with his own version using just two pieces of fabric and a triangular pattern. The polystyrene bead filling moves and moulds for optimum comfort. Available locally from Limeline. gandiablasco.com | limeline.co.za
s CUSTOMISABLE COMPOSITIONS The Clip collection offers modular versatility with just two pieces: the ergonomic chair and the side table that doubles as a footrest to turn the chair into a lounger. Available in an array of bright shades, it’s moulded from 100% recyclable polyethylene. Available locally from Limeline. diablaoutdoor.com | limeline.co.za
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AND PARIS BRUMMER (DECK CHAIR) COMPILED BY ANNEMARIE MEINTJES
PHOTOS SERGIO CHIMENTI (WAVE), COURTESY GANDIA BLASCO GROUP (356, SAIL, CLIP),
POSTCARD APPEAL The traditional striped deck chair with footstool remains a seaside classic. Polo South Africa is launching a new outdoor furniture range in December, with more homeware items joining the collection in early 2020. polo.co.za
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DIABLA DESIGNS ARE INTENDED FOR BOLD, STYLISH, COLOURFUL PEOPLE WITH A ZEST FOR LIFE.
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“Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.” Massimo Vignelli Designer
COEM. Beole. White. 1200mm x 600mm. Natural Surface.
STILES - Cape Town 37 Paarden Eiland Road Cape Town, 7405 T: +27 21 510 8310 F: +27 21 510 8317 info@stiles.co.za
STILES - Knysna 17 Nelson Street Knysna, 6571 T: +27 44 382 2090 F: +27 44 382 7436 info@stiles.co.za
STILES - Mossel Bay Bolton Street Mossel Bay, 6506 T: +27 44 695 1800 F: +27 44 695 1877 info@stiles.co.za
STILES - George 12 Commercial Close George, 6529 T: +27 44 871 3222 F: +27 44 871 0721 info@stiles.co.za
s OFF THE FLOOR
A 16th-century Venetian flooring favourite, terrazzo has re-emerged as a massive trend. This composite flooring technique comprises a medley of marble chips and has now been reinvented and reimagined beyond traditional tiling. WORDS MICHAELA STEHR
STUDIO AN & CANNATA’S MORPH Price: POA Cannata’s Dialogue Room is an explorative and interactive space featuring works by local designers, architects and creatives. Currently, it is housing the terrazzo-inspired Morph range by local architecture and interior design brand Studio AN. The range was conceptualised by Jan de Wet and Jeanne Scholtz around the connection between terrazzo stone and jelly sweets. The pieces in the collection include the Morph light, stool, bench, cabinet and mirror. cannatagranite.co.za | studio-an.co.za
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For more, read an interview with Studio AN’s Jan de Wet and Jeanne Scholtz on visi.co.za
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
From left: Studio AN’s Jan de Wet and Jeanne Scholtz, Haardt Design Studio’s Aimee Wolfaardt (seated), and Cannata’s Italo Cannata and Claudia King.
TERRAZZO DOORSTOP R129 It may have been a while since you’ve seen a doorstop, but this terrazzo version brings a trendy element and a retro throwback to your space. The cylindrical cement base is heavy enough to keep the door steady and the rope handle means it can easily be moved to where you need it to be.
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STRAPPY SKATER DRESS BY GOOD CLOTHING R1 200 Cape Town clothing brand Good was started in 2008 by Marian ParkRoss. Good’s easy-towear, well-designed pieces are known for their on-trend simplicity, and they’ve reinterpreted terrazzo into a fabric used for a range of pink-hued womenswear, including this summery button-through dress. It reminds us of nougat. We love nougat. goodclothing.co.za
CORE COLLECTION BY OLIVER WHYTE Price: POA Cape Town-based multidisciplinary design studio Oliver Whyte, aka Ross Robertson, has released a new Core collection of tables made from discarded construction concrete. Each piece goes through a meticulous process, and is polished for a granite-smooth terrazzolike finish in shades of wet-look grey. oliverwhytestudio.com
BLACK TERRAZZO DESK LAMP BY WEYLANDTS R595 Add an element of terrazzo to your work desk or side table with a stoneblack terrazzo desk lamp. A round Edison bulb creates a dramatic and contrasting effect. weylandts.co.za
ROSE QUARTZ TERRAZZO RUG BY LORENA CANALS R3 690 This 100% cotton washable rug by Lorena Canals keeps the terrazzo trend underfoot while paying tribute to that ’70s style. With mosaic accents in light grey, charcoal and white on a dusty rose hue, the eco-friendly rug is a perfect addition to a living room, kids’ bedroom or play area. cleverlittlemonkey.co.za
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Primary Objectives
An old building in Observatory, Cape Town has received a Mondrianesque makeover thanks to a rather special collaboration. P H O T O S S H AVA N R A H I M W O R D S A N N E T T E K L I N G E R
or all its Victorian-cottage charm, the architectural landscape of the Mother City suburb of Observatory has a fairly desaturated palette. Lately, however, the Streetopia festival – an initiative by AfrikaBurn, which involves the Observatory Improvement District and a host of NGOs and artists – has brightened up the ’hood. The latest addition is a modernist mural emblazoned on the walls of the Cape Town & District Association for the Hearing Impaired. “It’s the first and last thing you see when you go over the bridge into or leaving Obs,” says its creator, artist and architect Lorenzo Nassimbeni. To involve the community connected to the site, Lorenzo conducted a creative workshop with 12 art students aged 10 to 12 from the Mary Kihn School for the Deaf. Inspired by the late Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck’s concept of a house being a city and a city being a house, Lorenzo took the students on a walk through their neighbourhood and asked them to draw the buildings. He then sat them down
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at a table strewn with squares, triangles and rectangles in red, yellow and blue, which he’d cut according to the proportions of the Victorian buildings typical of the area. Informed by their drawings, each of the students designed their own house out of the shapes; they then collaborated with one another to create a city. “The Victorian row houses have greatly influenced the community atmosphere of Observatory,” explains Lorenzo, who translated the drawings into the geometric designs now seen on the building. The “house” component graces the front façade; the “city” interpretation, its side. “But to me, the actual artwork was the workshop. Our communication happened through art.” The project was managed by Karen Stewart of the Ah HA Company and facilitated by Thandile Giyama, with mural implementation by Simon Chinoda and Motebang Masitha. Ralph Borland is the artist behind the illuminated artwork. lorenzonassimbeni.com
THE
BAR
INSTANT AND ALL-IN-ONE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON. FILTER | KET TLE | WATER-COOLER Also it’s healthy, also it’s safe, also it’s customizable, also it’s pure, also it’s green, also it looks amazing, also you can use it at home, also at your office, also for your baby, also it’s insanely cool, also it suits the space, also your friends will be jealous, also it comes in yellow, also orange, also red, also blue, also purple, also cream, also black, also it will complete your house, also your mom-in-law will finally be impressed, also it’s a great Christmas present, also who doesn’t like cold water in summer?
NOT ONLY, BUT ALSO.
W W W.BIBO.CO. Z A
s Design Deconstruction
STAATLICHES BAUHAUS
It may have only existed as an educational institute for 14 years, but the Bauhaus school remains a powerful influence on contemporary design – and here’s why. W O R D S T R A C Y LY N N C H E M A LY
1 century ago, architect Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school in Weimar, Germany with a radical concept: to reimagine the material world to reflect the unity of all the arts in a single creative expression. Glass-fronted concrete buildings, built-in kitchens, tubular steel furniture and stark white walls all link back to this school of thought that stripped everything to its bare-bones function before fashioning form. Gropius insisted on designing by “starting from zero”. So, in walked sans serif fonts lacking capital letters (serifs and uppercase wasted time and printing money) and right-angled flat-roof dwellings (pitched roofs and voluminous hallways were superfluous). Originally established to unite the art of the elite with the craft of artisans during a post-WWI era in which society needed
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a reality check, the Bauhaus philosophy was to make design accessible to all, utilising modern materials and industrial techniques. Here, apprentices and journeymen (they were never called students) learnt in workshops (not lecture halls), challenging design assumptions through experimentation and play. By teaching metalwork, stained glass, mural painting, joinery, typography, pottery, weaving, book-binding and even theatre, the school was a hub of creative energy fuelled by an enquiry into technical skill, presented by Masters (don’t call them professors!) such as Johannes Itten, Josef Albers, László Moholy-Nagy, Marcel Breuer, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Herbert Bayer. It’s from this school that the dynamic textiles of Gunta Stölzl emerged, along with the spherical ashtrays
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WALTER GROPIUS FOUNDED THE BAUHAUS SCHOOL with a radical concept: to reimagine the material world to reflect THE UNITY OF ALL THE ARTS. 4
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1. The Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany. 2. Segelchiffe by Paul Klee. 3. Peter Keler’s 1922 cradle design. 4. Circles in a Circle by Wassily Kandinsky. 5. Marcel Breuer’s vintage chromed nesting tables. 6. A Gunta Stölzl rug, from a design painted around 1927.
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of Marianne Brandt, complete with nifty cigarette holder, and Wilhelm Wagenfeld’s bulbous table lamp. When it relocated to Dessau in 1925, with Director Hannes Meyer, it began to pay attention to architecture too. Under the later directorship of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the school became predominantly focused on this discipline but, after relocating again to Berlin, it shut its doors in 1933 as a result of Nazi political pressure. The school’s spirit, however, endured, as Gropius and Breuer moved to the US to teach at Harvard, while other Masters relocated to the Soviet Union, Israel and other parts of Europe and the US, spreading the pioneering design movement of “less is more” and introducing Bauhaus’s avant-garde system of instruction to international curricula.
Even today, in South Africa, the impact is evident – not least because one of the school’s last students, Pius Pahl, relocated to Stellenbosch. His buildings can be viewed around the country, their geometric forms overtly Bauhaus. A contemporary generation of local designers has been equally influenced, as noted in pieces like Joe Paine’s tubular Santa Barbara Shelf (he says that a school project on Bauhaus is what provoked him to study design); the stripped-back modular Format System of Dokter and Misses, who describe their very first designs as “Bauhaus-meets-Dr Alban”; and The Ninevites’ colourful symmetrical rugs that could sit comfortably alongside the patterned, colour-coded artworks of Bauhaus power couple Josef and Anni Albers. The 100-year-old Bauhaus is, it would seem, still fulfilling its legacy.
7. An example of a Bauhaus lamp. The original was designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1924. 8. The Ninevites’ colourful, graphic rugs. 9. Bauhaus-inspired pieces by Dokter and Misses.
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PHOTOS T FRANZEN (BAUHAUS BUILDING), GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED
ESTABLISHED TO UNITE THE ART OF THE ELITE with the craft of artisans during a post-WWI era in which society NEEDED A REALITYCHECK,THE BAUHAUS PHILOSOPHY WAS to make art accessible to all.
s Travel Diary
ZANELE KUMALO
Media specialist Zanele shares the visual highlights of her recent trip to Japan with her sister Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine. P H OTO S A N D WO R D S Z A N E L E KU M A LO
1 1. NAOSHIMA ISLAND, KAGAWA This small, contemporary art island town deserves at least an overnight stay, unless you’re keen on a quick Amazing Race-like lap. It's fun for a day trip, which is what Zodwa and I did because the best accommodation was already booked. From Chichu Art Museum (James Turrell’s light works will blow your mind) to the Benesse House Art Site, there is so much to take in – including queuing respectfully for an obligatory selfie with one of Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins. Take a short ferry ride from the port town of Tamano early in the morning, then rent a bike, walk or wait for a bus to take you around the lush destination with private beaches. (No locals swim here after August, but you're not a local so you can!) 2. THE TERMINAL, KYOTO The best and healthiest way to move around most towns is on a bike. How chic?
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3. TEAMLAB BORDERLESS, TOKYO Revisit your childhood in an immersive sensory experience: colour in an image, get it scanned, then see it come to life on the floors or walls of the room you’re in. Move to the next room to climb colour trees and connect with others in a forest of resonating lamps, which change colour as you move through the Murano glass. We both cried… One of us. Almost. 4. INOICHI, KYOTO The thing is the thing: It’s the best way for me to describe how effortlessly, from food to design, the Japanese create magical experiences. Here we had the best ramen we’d ever tasted, which included the kindest warning about a condiment called Tororo Kombu (shredded kelp): “Please add it to your ramen if you wish. Add it a little by little using a tong. Be careful of losing a soup by adding too much.” In general, you won’t find strong flavours in Japan that overpower the star ingredient.
5. YASAKA SHRINE, KYOTO If you obsessively read and watched Memoirs of a Geisha, you’ll find the shrines, exquisitely crafted temples and tradition of young men and women renting kimonos and yukata so they can take pictures at cultural and heritage sites like this one, irresistible. It’s a privilege to be able to step back in time in someone else’s country. 6. BENESSE HOUSE ART SITE, NAOSHIMA This Karel Appel sculpture stands in the garden. In Japan, you’re mostly not allowed to take photos of artwork placed indoors, so public art plays both the role of being accessible to everyone and becoming the photographic evidence you can take home with you. 7. JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT “MADE IN JAPAN” EXHIBITION, MORI ART MUSEUM, TOKYO We didn’t know that one of our favourite artists had travelled to Japan regularly, which had a profound impact on his work. Only a few of the works showcased could be photographed, so we were lucky to get a few snaps. Exiting through this gift shop took some of us some time…
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7 5 THINGS I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT n A bottle of my favourite perfume to create new memories with. This time, Commes des Garçons Black got to go on the trip as an homage to Rei Kawakubo. n A pair of adidas sneakers. I have three pairs, all of them comfortable and stylish. n Swedish bitters (herbal tonic) – necessary when you’re going to change your diet, and to help with bloating after a long flight. n A neck pillow. I still haven’t found the perfect one, though… n A bold red lipstick for confidence, because travelling can be quite daunting at times. I don’t wear any other makeup when I travel.
OAK REDEFINED AHEC and award-winning South African furniture makers, Houtlander, collaborated on the 'Preservation Bench' for 100% Design South Africa 2019. Known for their modern take on spindle furniture, Houtlander re-worked their signature style to celebrate the sapling growing from the ĶŲƙĞơƭ ȋŲŲƙɏ ơĞĞŘŃŦķ ƭľĞ śŃķľƭ óŦė ƙĞóĐľŃŦķ up towards the canopy. By using ƭľĞƙŤóśśǔɲŤŲėŃȊĞė ŤĞƙŃĐóŦ ƙĞė ŲóŘɏ which is stable in the presence of moisture, the designers were able to create three grounded benches that curve into one gravity-defying twisted form that seemingly disappears into the air. So vast is the U.S. hardwood forest that all of the red oak lumber used to create the installation would be replaced through natural regeneration in less than 1 second.
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In the Pool
KAREN DUDLEY reflects on the childhood pleasure, play and potential of a pool in summer.
learnt to swim in my great-uncle Wally’s pool. Uncle Wally had a Cape Dutch house of handsome proportions, filled with large, splendid antique pieces. (He was an antiques dealer and master builder with impeccable taste and style.) Best of all, for the kiddies, there was the pool. Not many Coloured people had pools in the 1970s, so this freedom to visit and have the pool all to ourselves (not squished and splashed in the municipal swimming baths) was utter luxury. The pool itself was not big. It was surrounded by the ubiquitous slasto paving of the time that got deliciously hot, puddles dissipating rapidly in the scorching summer sun.There was a shallow end and a deep end.I learnt this after a brave “wingless” (inflated armband) excursion that resulted in a sinking, gulping near-drowning. To begin with, I endured the pinching of those squeaky armbands and the most rudimentary of “lessons”: “Kick! Kick! Kick!” After much clinging to the sides of the pool came the exhilarating venture, now wing-free, through all that sparkly blue… In the early 1980s, my parents built a house in Heathfield, with ample space for a pool of our own. And so began summers of endless play: diving! Tumbling! Tricks! (For these we used our primitive peg nose-plugs.) Heedless of sunscreen, we turned deep shades of brown – a requisite for the pastel shades and seersucker of the era. Having a pool meant there were always friends and relatives visiting, often friends you didn’t know you had,the allure of the pool on a hot day exercising a powerful aquatic invitation. For kids,there was always something to do. The pool meant play. We spent hours perfecting our Man from Atlantis techniques and holding our breath for one length – no, two! We built towers, played “water polo”, attempted synchronised swimming routines. I remember blissful holidays consuming the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy poolside in between sleek dives. I could smell the fragrance of I remember sweet peas and honeysuckle in the garden. With my ears so close to the paving, blissful I’d be lulled into little naps by the dull tick-tick-ticking of that wondrous South African invention: the Kreepy Krauly. consuming the entire There are hot summer days that are meant for the beach, with its pleasures of waves and sand, brollies and granadilla lollies. But there are hot summer days when a pool is the definitive indulgence. Beside a private body of water, there is a chance to get mostly naked,to bathe in sun. A quiet cool dip; a singular experience. trilogy poolside Oh, the extravagance of days spent by the pool, getting toasty-toasty then diving between in to cool off, only to return to the warm wet towel and more sun. Beside the sleek dives. pool, we give our bodies to the heat that reaches into our bones, casting out any residual cold. Beside the pool, we give ourselves to sensual exposure and self-care. I realise now that those endless days spent by the pool (careless about UV protection!) were days of the ultimate luxury: a celebration of boredom.
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KAREN is a chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and writer – and a born-and-bred Capetonian. Her restaurant The Kitchen, in Woodstock, is a Mother City institution, and the source of inspiration for her most recent book A Week in The Kitchen, which was shot in a week in the restaurant. karendudley.co.za
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Take a Dip
THANDO NDABEZITHA reflects on how psychologically liberating a splash in the pool can be.
he smell of chlorine always brings back childhood memories of hot summer days in a city the cool local youngsters aptly dubbed “Heatermaritzburg”. Early 1990s. We are five: myself, two of my older brothers, my best friend and her sister. A fearless gang of kids swaggering down the streets of a newly racially integrated Pietermaritzburg suburb, hoping to spot a backyard with a pool and a fence that can easily be scaled for a quick dip in the water. As the youngest, I was never allowed to join them for the stolen swim – I had to be on the lookout for any approaching adults and sound the alarm. In 1995, I started big school, where there was a swimming pool and teachers enthusiastic to find the next Penny Heyns, who incidentally would make the country proud at the Atlanta Olympics the following year by becoming the only woman in the history of the Olympics to win both the 100- and 200-metre breaststroke events. Sadly, as enthusiastic as I was about splashing about in the water on those torrid days of our swimming term, I was never destined to be a Penny Heyns. And neither were my peers. But the experience of suddenly having access to a pool, with teachers who were eager to make us fall in love with the water and feel confident in it, was life-altering. It gave me immense confidence – the type that comes with unquestioning childish bravado – to believe In 1995, that my survival breaststroke could save me I started from anything. In high school, my focus shifted to field sports and cultural extracurricular activities where there was a as I became more conscious of my maturing body. By the time I got to university, it never and teachers enthusiastic occurred to me at all to go to the pool next to the student union for a cooling dip during to find the next the sweltering Grahamstown exam periods in November/December. “Why did you lose your love for swimming?” my mom often asked me over the years. I was too embarrassed to admit that the ostentatious little swimmer had turned into a self-conscious young woman much too coy about her curves to wear a cossie. But they say true love sets you free … or, in my case, sets you free of your inhibitions. That, along with a running injury, saw me – almost a decade later – donning a bathing suit to tread the heady chlorinated waters of my local gym’s indoor pool to get low-impact exercise with a partner who thought I was Melusina. When I look back on those years of letting a form of body dysmorphic disorder keep me out of the water, I am filled with regret. If I could speak to that young woman, I’d tell her, “Wear that one-piece – or bikini – and take that dip. Life is too short.”
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PENNY HEYNS.
THANDO, a media all-rounder, began her journalism career on the wireless in 2007. She’s worked in PR, newspaper journalism, and magazine and book publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from Rhodes University, with a special interest in the fields of gender studies, African studies and postcolonialism.
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The First Swim of Summer
This seasonal ritual reminds JONATHAN ANCER of long-lost friends – and the Man from Atlantis. ith mounting excitement, I’d dip my hand into the swimming pool and fish out the thermometer. It’s a 30-something-year-old memory, but even as I type, a numbing chill runs down my arm, and the pungent aroma of chlorine mixed with the sweet scent of coconut sunscreen hits me in the face. I would will the thermometer’s little red line to touch 18. My father had deemed that the first swim of the season could take place only when the water temperature hit this magical number. For me, the first swim was my birthday multiplied by Christmas to the power of a Bar-One milkshake. As an optimist I started checking in August, and as an opportunist I presented the thermometer to my father even when it registered 14 degrees Celsius. He never caved. For my three siblings and me, the first swim of summer wasn’t guaranteed. We’d forfeit it if we were naughty. Throughout winter the punishment – 2019’s equivalent of No Screen Time – was held over our heads like the Sword of Damocles.The sword only came crashing down once. The offender was my oldest sister, Judith. I can’t remember the misdemeanour she committed, but I do remember her stoic expression as she stood by the pool, looking suitably chastised, as the rest of us splashed in the water. The first refreshing, exhilarating, invigorating swim meant we were just a hop, skip and dive bomb from a long, school-free summer by the pool. It represented freedom. It was six weeks of lazy, sunny days with my neighbourhood crew – Tony and Eddie – chasing each other with water pistols, playing Marco Polo, swimming like the Man from Atlantis and doing battle with the swamp monster (aka the Kreepy Krauly). It was a time of belly flops and belly laughs. We would emerge from the water with prune-like hands and lie on the slasto, talking about soccer and listening to the latest tunes on Tony’s boombox. Afterwards, we’d raid the mulberry tree and gobble the juicy berries until our faces were stained purply-blue. For me, Tony, Eddie and I spent as much time at the pool as we could, swimming even during Highveld thunderstorms. the first swim It was a refuge from school, which we hated.There was no was my homework, no tests, no uniforms, no hair inspections, no sadistic teachers and no school bullies; just a tightknit trio multiplied by of misfits who made life tolerable for one another. When we were at the pool, time stretched out like an elastic band. This was our summer routine throughout high school. to the power of a Over the years we talked less about soccer and more about girls and our future.Tony wanted to be a pilot.Eddie wanted to travel the world.We stopped swimming like the Man from Atlantis and gave the Kreepy Krauly a break.The music on Tony’s boombox changed from Michael Jackson’s soft-pop Thriller when we were in Standard 6 to the punk-rocking Sex Pistols and the dark and moody Pink Floyd in matric. After matric, Tony, Eddie and I went our separate ways. But each year when I plunge into the water for my first swim of the season, I think about my friends, and celebrate the two people who made high school a little less unbearable.
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JONATHAN is a freelance journalist and author who is obsessed with cryptic crossword puzzles, mountain biking and spying on spies. His book Spy: Uncovering Craig Williamson was one of the Sunday Times’ Top 10 books of 2017, and he’s just released Betrayal: The Secret Lives of Apartheid Spies. You can find him on Twitter @jonathanancer.
PORTRAIT CRAIG DODDS
BAR- ONE MILKSHAKE.
constancehotels.com MAURITIUS
• SEYCHELLES • MALDIVES • MADAGASCAR
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WIN with Hansgrohe! One lucky reader will win a Rainmaker Select Overhead Shower 460 3jet with ceiling connector from HANSGROHE, worth R34 699.
his award-winning design (winner of the 2016 International Forum Design Gold Award and a Red Dot Product Design Award) was created in collaboration with Stuttgartbased studio Phoenix Design. Part of Hansgrohe’s XXL Performance range,
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the Rainmaker Select boasts a wider spray diameter than regular showerheads and features three settings, allowing you to choose between Rain’s steady droplets, Mono’s relaxing jet stream or the more powerful RainFlow option. The Rainmaker Select, manufactured in chrome with a glass surface finish,
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MORE AMAZING GIVEAWAYS IN THIS ISSUE… ■ Le Creuset 18cm cast-iron Cocotte Every in the colour of your choice. R2 900 | page 36 ■ A two-night stay for two guests at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, valid from 10 January to 15 December 2020*. R27 600 | page 166 ■ A Pichulik Alegria pendant and Plenty bracelet R1 280 | page 170 VISI COMPETITIONS RULES
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■ Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Active II. R8 499 | page 178 ■ Google Home Mini Smart Speaker. R1 299 | page 179 ■ Champagne hamper. R7 069 | page 180 ■ A books hamper. R3 418 | page 186
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HANSGROHE PRIZE Includes couriering but excludes installation. *LEKKERWATER BEACH LODGE PRIZE Accommodation may only be booked within 30 days of travel. It is subject to availability and is only eligible for African residents. Prize is non-transferable. The prize excludes transport to De Hoop, reserve entrance fees and premium brand drinks.
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WORDS MARTIN JACOBS
Walls of glass fold open in the home’s bar and living spaces, encouraging seamless indooroutdoor flow between the building’s seaside and courtyard garden, where striking repetition of timber screens adds drama.
| North Coast Home
PHOTOS ELSA YOUNG
A BEACHSIDE HOME ON DURBAN’S NORTH COAST REINVENTS ESTATE LIVING, PACKING A VISUAL PUNCH WITH A NEW WAVE OF COASTAL STYLE AND MALIBU CHARM.
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E’RE ALL GUILTY OF HAVING DONE IT.
Invited into a seaside home, we bypass its entertainment areas, occasionally its hosts, making an immediate beeline for the outdoor spaces beyond, seeking the soul-soothing, sensory rewards they offer: sunshine glinting golden on the ocean’s surface, the chalky aroma of baked sand. So for the young Johannesburg family relocating to KwaZulu-Natal’s beachside Zimbali estate, largely occupied by holiday houses, a new home that broke with old coastal style conventions was essential. Their house, through both its architecture and interior design, was to stand out, and be as seductive as the ocean views it offered. Eager to upturn the architectural regulations imposed by the estate’s committee, the homeowners enlisted architect Sean Godfrey of Masterworx Architectural Design, insisting on a break from the pervasive Balinese resort style. In search of an interior aesthetic more contemporary than their Bryanston home, the couple were inspired by their travels along America’s West Coast, and their appreciation of its relaxed yet tailored decorating. Recognising like minds, they appointed Durban design duo Kelsey Boyce and Bruce Fyfe of Fyfe Boyce. “We are great admirers of American designer Jeffrey Alan Marks, who captures the same laid-back coastal feel that we like to inject into our projects, so we proposed to our client a Malibu feel with an African twist,” says Kelsey. Inviting the outdoors in was an obvious starting point. An edit of local and imported fabrics in natural tones and textures, richly layered for a luxurious effect, does just that, echoing the beach below. Throughout the house, the repetition of blues and whites mirrors views across the water, and metallic accents add Malibu glamour, while a combination of raw wood and tactile woven finishes firmly contextualises the home on African soil. A statement piece – and one of Kelsey’s favourite spaces – the custom-designed bar includes an oxidised copper base, the colours of which reference the lush vegetation. “Our interiors are intended to be lived in. We needed to create a home that is as comfortable as it is beautiful,” comments Bruce, adding, “We wanted the clients to feel like every day is a holiday.” This emphasis on barefoot living is equally apparent in the architecture, a key requirement of which was sea views throughout the building. Consequently, expansive walls of glass fold away for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. “We insisted on a space that matched how we live and entertain,” says the owner. “We fill our home with family and friends and laze around the pool.” Appearing at first glance to disappear beneath the bar, the pool connects the seaside to the courtyard garden. Timber screens, sheltering the bedrooms above, add drama to this play space. “Designed to be automated, the screens allow in as much natural light and ventilation as desired, while always ensuring privacy,” comments Godfrey, the architect. Like many of the home’s other considered choices, such design creativity not only guarantees comfort, but also packs a visual punch. Which, for a young family in search of something new, is nothing short of a sea change.
“THIS HOME WAS DESIGNED TO STAND OUT NOT FIT IN.” – BRUCE FYFE
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One of designer Kelsey Boyce’s favourite spaces within the home, the entrance hall is given rock-star edge by a feature wall comprising backlit geometric timber panels. A slatted ceiling allows for the play of sunlight.
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Fyfe Boyce designed the bar, a definite statement piece, and its copper panels were created and oxidised by artist Brendon Edwards. The bar stools are upholstered in an outdoor vinyl by Kravet, increasing their weather resistance.
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| North Coast Home
THE COUPLE WERE INSPIRED BY THEIR TRAVELS ALONG AMERICA’S WEST COAST, AND THEIR APPRECIATION OF ITS RELAXED YET TAILORED DECORATING.
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ABOVE In the home’s covered veranda, a pale green sofa upholstered in St Leger & Viney’s Chromatics “Meadow”, along with an abundance of tropical indoor foliage, echoes the verdant vegetation beyond. BELOW The kitchen’s clean lines reflect the strong linearity of the home’s architecture. The island is clad in Neolith’s Calacatta, and the bold backsplash is a Blue Agata granite slab from Womag. OPPOSITE “There’s no need for an outdoor space to look any less luxurious than an indoor space,” comments Kelsey on the combination of untreated wood, hints of metallic and Thibaut’s graphic Parterre fabric that defines the terrace’s living area.
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“WE PROPOSED TO OUR CLIENT A MALIBU FEEL WITH AN AFRICAN TWIST.” – KELSEY BOYCE
| North Coast Home
ABOVE The octagonal Chinese lattice mirror creates a feature wall in the master bedroom. Not only does it reflect endless ocean views, but the graphic pattern also pairs well with Jeffrey Alan Mark’s Templin fabric on the ottomans. BELOW Bianco Carrara marble introduces femininity to an otherwise architectural and masculine master bathroom. The door leads from the his-and-hers showers to a private screened terrace. OPPOSITE The pool, which appears to extend below the bar, continues to the seaside terrace. The family maximises the use of this space, taking advantage of the ocean views. An edit of Thibaut’s outdoor fabrics reflects the colours of the water.
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“OUR INTERIORS ARE INTENDED TO BE LIVED IN. WE NEEDED TO CREATE A HOME THAT IS AS COMFORTABLE AS IT IS BEAUTIFUL.” – BRUCE FYFE
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WORDS NKULI NHLEKO
PRODUCTION ANNEMARIE MEINTJES
PHOTOS DOOK
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At the top of a leafy street sits a remarkably fresh and bold contemporary home, untamed and unburdened by a need to colour within the lines. visi.co.za
The home’s intriguing claybrick façade is offset by a pink right-angled triangle.
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rrive at this house for the first time, and it is difficult not to have your curiosity piqued by the monolithic façade of clay brick pavers set behind a pink right-angled triangle. Bold and unapologetic of its avant-garde grandeur, it provides an inkling of an entrance. “We’ve nicknamed this house the ‘shape-sorter house’,” says architect Gregory Katz. “Our conceptual journey began with the idea of a cube as an envelope.” Behind this elaborate geometric structure sits an unassuming constricted stretch of entryway leading to an understated front door. Step through it and you’re welcomed into a bright, spacious and airy home flooded with natural light. Gregory describes the play of light created by the asymmetric windows as the gift that keeps on giving. The space is open and barrier-free, with each area flowing seamlessly into the next. Natural light sweeps through two stately half-moon cutouts on the ground floor. These wide half-cylinder openings frame views of the entire garden, breaking the barrier between indoors and outdoors. Much like the assertive façade, the interior boasts its own kind of confidence. It is a consciously eclectic mix of brightly coloured shapes, with a clean and minimalist aesthetic that serves as a canvas to showcase the homeowners’ green thumb and quirky art collection. “The house has Bauhaus features but is more post-modernist in character, emulating an unconventional, less serious, more playful standpoint on design principles,” says Gregory. All of the spaces meet in unison at the bottom of a diamond-shaped double-volume skylight that ties the upper and lower levels together. An impressive collection of hanging plants soaks up the sunlight above the balustrade, peering down to the lower level. Climb the staircase clad in forest-green PVC floor mats, and you’re met by an eccentric, oversized, luminous-pink security gate. Every inch of this home is given its moment in the sun, with all the door frames painted an exquisite pastel pink, the column a gleaming luminous yellow, and the doubleheight void a jewel-tone teal. The colour scheme serves to affirm Gregory’s passion for experimentation. “The bedrock of my design philosophy is to explore materiality and deploy materials in unexpected and uncommon ways,” he says. “We strive to move away from generic design.” Set in a glass box and slightly elevated from the bedroom, the master bathroom is as much a statement as the rest of the house. A mix of emerald-green and white tiles clads most of the wet area, accented by sleek matte-black mixers and paired with an opulent brass-plated basin that gives the bathroom an air of glamour and luxury. “The success of the house was largely due to our open-minded and creative client’s willingness to experiment,” says Gregory. And you certainly get a strong a sense that the home is a shared vision between the designer and the client’s lifestyle, resulting in a brave and bold collaboration. gregorykatz.co.za OPPOSITE A saunter through the tunnelesque entryway builds the intrigue of what lies behind the concealed front door.
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| Orchards Home
IT IS DIFFICULT NOT TO HAVE YOUR CURIOSITY PIQUED BY THE MONOLITHIC FAÇADE.
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| Orchards Home
THE PLAY OF LIGHT CREATED BY THE ASYMMETRIC WINDOWS IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING.
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A jagged, irregularly shaped double-volume marks the centre of the home, where all the spaces meet. The profile also works as an invisible separation between the different spaces. OPPOSITE Materials are deployed in unexpected yet practical ways. The staircase, clad in LEGO green PVC floor mats, is in keeping with the design vernacular, and provides a much-needed non-slip surface for the kids.
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| Orchards Home
THE SPACE IS OPEN AND BARRIER-FREE, WITH EACH AREA FLOWING SEAMLESSLY INTO THE NEXT.
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Aptly named the “the shape-sorter house”, the home is reminiscent of a children’s toy comprised of brightly coloured shapes with corresponding voids in a cube. The colours make each shape a feature in its own right. OPPOSITE A less-is-more standpoint is apparent throughout the space. The furniture, decor and greenery are understated, and appear carefully considered in both placement and purpose.
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Two windows peer down to the ground floor and soak up sunlight from the diamond-shaped skylight. OPPOSITE In keeping with the overall design, the decor is sleek, complementing the architectural canvas.
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| Orchards Home
EVERY INCH OF THIS HOME IS GIVEN ITS MOMENT IN THE SUN.
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The client’s green thumb is a prevalent motif throughout the home. Above the balustrade is the beginning of an indoor vertical garden, reaching up to the sunlight that filters down from the skylight; a window set above the bathtub frames a view of an old oak tree, introducing texture and tranquillity into this glass box; there is a consistency in the inconsistent positioning and scale of the window openings. OPPOSITE Irregular geometric cutouts give the monolithic cube an abstract edge.
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THIS SENSITIVELY RESTORED HOUSE OF WOOD AND STON E PRESERVES FACETS OF JOHANNESBURG’S PAST.
WORDS NECHAMA BRODIE
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collection of landmarks across the city of Johannesburg, his works ranging from the offices of Chancellor House – the original home of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys – to the slightly less discreet Gold Reef City theme park development, funded by the billionaire Krok twin brothers. In 1951, Jarrett was commissioned to build a private residence on the Linksfield Ridge for Greek timber merchant Manoussos Broulidakis, who clad the interior of the modern stone, brick and terrazzo home in glowing floor-to-ceiling wood. Thankfully, many of these features remain today. The front door is Burmese teak, the floors are covered in gleaming parquet. But perhaps most breathtaking of all are the richly varnished panels of sandblasted pine that line the eastern wall between the living area and the kitchen, and which enclose a Bond-worthy staircase leading up to the home’s bedrooms. Picture windows face a generous expanse of Highveld sky, with the Yeoville ridge to the west and Kensington stretching to the south. In 1960, Broulidakis sold the house to American author and founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard. Together with his wife and four children, Hubbard took up residence there between September 1960 and March 1961, before returning to his London base and eventually selling the Johannesburg property. More than 40 years later, the house came up for sale again and was purchased by the Church of Scientology under the organisation’s Landmark Sites programme, which finds locations where Hubbard lived, and restores and preserves them for visitors who want to experience a snapshot of his remarkable life journey. The house had been used as a family residence, and while the exteriors and most of the property’s distinctive metalwork were intact, many original interior features had been altered, covered up or lost over time. The Landmark Sites programme sought to not only restore the site to its original architectural condition, but to recreate the home exactly as it had been when Hubbard had lived there. To do this, they accessed an extensive archive of photographs and even video footage of the residence, taken by Hubbard himself. Hubbard’s former employees were interviewed about their memories of the place, and the organisation contacted the family that had moved into the home immediately after the Hubbards left. The restoration took the better part of two years, using local artisans and builders either to return features to their original condition or to recreate them where this was no longer possible. The extensive work included gently removing layers of plaster that concealed the interior stonework, including the curved slasto wall in the living room, and getting rid of fitted carpets that covered the parquet floors. The Linksfield Ridge house was opened on 13 March 2005 – what would have been L. Ron Hubbard’s 94th birthday – and later received a blue plaque from the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, marking the property’s unique place and space as both an example of P O S T - WA R M ODERN IS M
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With hard work and good fortune, many of the home’s actual fittings and fixtures were tracked down, sometimes through generations of subsequent owners.
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THE HOME WAS COMMISSIONED BY A GREEK TIMBER MERCHANT WHO CLAD THE INTERIOR IN GLOWING FLOOR-TO-CEILING WOOD.
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The paintings were redone, painted and donated by Scientology members and artists from Sweden and Johannesburg. PREVIOUS PAGE A replica of a 1950s Isamu Noguchi table. The house did have an original, but when it was tracked down, its current owner wouldn’t sell.
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The blue floor tiles in the bathroom and kitchen were remade three times until they were to the exact original spec. OPPOSITE A cottage-style kitchen installed by a subsequent owner was replaced with original, period-correct white metal and melamine units.
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THE LINKSFIELD RIDGE HOUSE WAS OPENED ON 13 MARCH 2005 – WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN L. RON HUBBARD’S 94TH BIRTHDAY.
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The house’s exterior garden areas were restored with the same devotion as the interior. Over the years, the swimming pool had been converted into a smaller rock pool and had to be almost entirely dug out again. The pool’s brickwork patio was another contemporary upgrade that was removed and replaced with the original slasto.
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THE HOUSE LOOKS OUT ONTO A GENEROUS EXPANSE OF HIGHVELD SKY, WITH THE YEOVILLE RIDGE TO THE WEST AND KENSINGTON STRETCHING TO THE SOUTH.
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| Westcliff Ridge Home
PRODUCTION ANNEMARIE MEINTJES
A SLICK AND SEXY MACHINE FOR LIVING, THIS MODERNIST RENOVATION ON THE
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Bold geometry and honest materials govern the mood here, thanks to a daring void in the upper slab. A burst of colour comes by way of a set of yellow pool loungers, designed by SRLC for Time + Tide Miavana private island resort in Madagascar.
WORDS MILA CREWE-BROWN
PHOTOS DOOK
EASTERN PROMONTORY OF WESTCLIFF RIDGE IS AN ARCHITECTURAL A - LISTER.
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IT’S RARE IN THIS COUNTRY THAT HOMEOWNERS INHERIT A BUILDING OF DISTINCT ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE,
especially in a city as young as Johannesburg. So when husband and wife Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, of leading architecture studio Silvio Rech & Lesley Carstens Adventure Architecture, spied the late-1950s house at the dead end of their lane in Westcliff ’s uppermost reaches, they kept a beady eye on its movements. “What I liked about it is that it’s so simple… We’ve been overcluttering everything,” remarks Silvio. Still, dense overgrowth concealed the view entirely, and there were those who advised the couple to simply knock it down. Architecture devotees, however, favoured retaining its roots as an American Bungalow, and when they discovered that there was, in fact, a view beyond the trees, they did what any architect would do: they respected the building’s heritage. While the new house has greatly expanded on the former footprint and gained a lashing of drama, it’s in keeping with the spirit of the original. “How would a mid-century modern architect design this home today?” was the question that Silvio and Lesley asked. They absorbed themselves in studies of the Googie era, one of the Modern Movement’s scions, which was inspired by aeronautical travel and futurism. Imagine a meeting of The Jetsons and early James Bond dens: Googie homes broadcast formal simplicity, bold geometry and flamboyantly opulent gestures in their rooflines. With the telltale atrium, rock features, zigzagging roofline and timber panelling all nodding to its Bungalow origins, Silvio and Lesley progressed onto a home that is daring, yet liveable and honest. A long concrete ramp rises slowly from the parking to the upper deck in the spirit of Tadao Ando and the Brutalist movement, while cueing a fascination with the future that Googie architecture championed. Material honesty is one of this home’s distinguishing features, tempering its flamboyance by way of oak cladding, honed granite slabs and widely used off-shutter concrete. The other feature is the view. “This house has been designed around it,” Lesley explains. The word “view” is modest when you’re referring to 270 degrees unfolding before you. A rim-flow water feature borders the façade, giving way to an outlook that rivals the sought-after Four Seasons Hotel, whose rooftops can be seen below. Here, structural noise is minimal, with only a series of slender concrete pilotis emerging from the water to support the vast slab above. A Brutalist-inspired void pierces through the slab, allowing a shaft of light to penetrate, and affording a passage of travel between levels via a galvanised spiral staircase. Inside, an homage to design’s greatest plays out among the bespoke fittings and primal materials palette. The couple’s furniture collection has grown organically, and features originals from design titans such as Charlotte Perriand, Joe Colombo, Isamu Noguchi and Jean Prouvé. Upstairs, Silvio and Lesley’s bedroom squeezes every OPPOSITE Polished concrete last drop from that view. “This whole house is about and galvanised steel create living with the elements: we wake with the sunrise, an interesting foil for the observing the change of colour from sunrise home’s natural surrounds to sunset,” Lesley says as we stare out at on a rock-strewn koppie. a jacaranda-laden skyline. “And the Highveld storms… They are both majestic and terrifying.” silviorechlesleycarstens.co.za
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MATERIAL HONESTY IS ONE OF THE HOME‘S DISTINGUISHING FEATURES, TEMPERING ITS FLAMBOYANCE.
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A LONG, CONCRETE RAMP RISES SLOWLY FROM THE PARKING TO THE UPPER DECK IN THE SPIRIT OF TADAO ANDO. Were it not for the jacarandas, it could be mistaken for the Hollywood Hills. The home’s eastern-facing linear orientation and open structure make the most of the wide views. The red steel sculpture to the right is an original Edoardo Villa.
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Paola Lenti’s Float pool loungers add a shot of pink to the veranda. The wooden scissor chairs are another SRLC design for Time + Tide Miavana; the Corten steel staircase that leads up to the main bedroom echoes the linearity in the home, while Jean Prouvé’s Grand Repos chair is geared for idling; a wall of Palissandro Brazilian rosewood veneer nods to the mid-century material preferences; the kitchen island, designed by Silvio and Lesley, is made from slabs of flamed Rustenburg granite in elemental shapes.
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ABOVE In the studio building, a set of Rybo Rykken & Co Kengu chairs, discovered by Silvio and Lesley in a job lot at an antique shop, has been carefully restored and re-reupholstered in red leather, and backs onto a sloped glass faรงade. BELOW Looking back towards the house, past a giant leadwood root table, the atypical structure of the roof and light tunnel can be clearly seen.
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Encircling the lightweight concrete relief-clad fireplace, a Gennie chaise by Gabriele Mucchi, gold Componibili storage unit by Anna Castelli Ferrieri and side table designed for Jao Camp in the Okavango and made by Heino Schmitt make an outstanding team. The wooden screen wall and the fireplace are from the original house. OPPOSITE Based on a guitar plectrum, the lounge coffee table was designed by Silvio 30 years ago for the couple’s apartment. It’s surrounded by a 1959 Arne Vodder rosewood sideboard, Elda chair by Joe Colombo from Jeremy Stephen Antiques, and a set of delicious monster pendants by Clarisse Design.
IMAGINE A MEETING OF THE JETSONS AND EARLY JAMES BOND DENS.
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ABOVE With possibly the best views of any architectural practice, the studio sees up to 12 people come and go daily, and is reminiscent of airports during the Googie period. BELOW Oak envelops the main bedroom and bathroom. The grey lily pad vanities, designed by SRLC, are bathed in light from the tunnel above. The overtly industrial basin faucets are from the iB Rubinetti Bold collection at Lavo Bathroom Concepts, and the tall pipe shower is a Jee-O Soho from Bella Bathrooms.
ABOVE The main bedroom links by way of glass sliders to the upper deck, which connects to the studio. BELOW If it’s views you have, flaunt them: The main bedroom’s stacking glass doors peel away to reveal a 270-degree vista of Parktown, Killarney and Rosebank. An Isamu Noguchi Akari paper light hangs over the six-legged desk designed by son Gio Rech and fronted by a 1960s lounge chair by Aksel Bender Madsen. Two SRLC-designed “root” stools made by Dave Carstens flank the bed.
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WORDS AMELIA BROWN
sweet escape PHOTOS JAN RAS
BOUTIQUE HOTEL HIDEAWAY BESIDE THE CAMISSA RIVER IN CAPE TOWN AFFORDS GUESTS PRIVACY, PRODUCTION MARK SERRA TRANQUILLITY AND THE PLEASURE OF EATING BREAKFAST AT THE FOOT OF TABLE VISI | Oranjezicht Boutique Hotel MOUNTAIN.
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ape Town is one of those places where, if you’re lucky, you can find a property in the suburbs that’s surrounded by nature, has sea views and is located minutes from the city. Camissa House is just that: named after the Khoena word for “the place of sweet waters”, the eight-bedroom boutique hotel is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac neighbouring a green belt. On the fringes of the City Bowl – the residential areas within the amphitheatre created by the mountain range – its back garden is Table Mountain National Park, and you have to tilt your head right back to see the famous eponymous mountain’s summit. Owner David Ryan, founder and CEO of safari company Rhino Africa, is adept at finding and developing sites that give Mother City visitors a unique private perch from which to explore (or to hide out). He’s the owner of boutique hotel MannaBay, which has occupied two sites in the City Bowl. For the brief to architect Lauren Bolus of Make Studio, David used his hospitality insights and experience from building MannaBay and Silvan Safari in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. “We know guests in Cape Town typically spend less time in their bedroom than they would on safari, so we wanted to maximise the public areas of the hotel,” he explains. “We spent a lot of time on creating visually and spatially distinctive public areas – the magnificent breakfast atrium with views of Table Mountain, the rooftop bar, the pool area as well as the cosy indoor bar.” While most new apartment developments around the country are marketing “hotel-style” luxury and amenities, this hotel offers all of those modern comforts within the well-appointed shared spaces, originality and scale of a home. The former building was, in fact, a six-bedroom house to begin with, which Make Studio reconfigured on the same footprint. The result is that no two suites are the same, maximising the panoramic rooftop balcony view or a meditative mountain-retreat perspective. It’s not formulaic, which is reflected in the finishes PREVIOUS SPREAD and interior design, and there’s also an intimacy, making for a memorable stay. The existing external The most distinctive feature of Camissa House is the steel-and-glass atrium that courtyard was enclosed brings Table Mountain in, letting the location and natural surroundings permeate with steel and glass to the space. Surrounded by common areas, the atrium – which was an existing create a light-filled outside courtyard – “is the ‘piazza’ of the hotel,” says Lauren. “There are visual double-volume atrium and central dining area. links to it through the textured breeze blocks as one circulates through the levels The custom planter and overlooks it while walking along the passages towards the suites.” and circular sofa was Built on the mountain slopes above a large garage, the hotel’s three floors are designed by Make Studio terraced, and this effect of layering has been echoed in the internal layout and and made by Human interior design. Architecturally, there are many sharp edges and clean lines, which Kabinette and Daniel Interiors. are softened by plush jewel tones and materials that are rich and textural, and that pick up David’s vibrant artworks. The building takes up most of the plot, so consideration was made to highlight existing surrounding flora and incorporate additional greenery. The atrium houses a tree at its centre, looks onto a rockery and is bordered by planters on the upper galleries. “Plants have been used as a functional aspect of the design, rather than an afterthought,” explains landscaper Chris Maddams. “The planting is intended to be eye-catching, either as a sculptural focal point or to create swathes of colour to brighten the spaces, and to surround guests with the lushness of the ferny kloof and ensure they feel like the hotel belongs high up on the mountain.” camissahouse.com | rhinoafrica.com fama.co.za | reddaffodil.co.za
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Breeze blocks form an intricate screen that contains the staircase and defines the atrium while maintaining visual connection. Their geometric shapes echo the linearity of the architectural design, and cast interesting shadows.
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THE HOTEL'S NAME COMES FROM THE CAMISSA RIVER, WHICH FLOWS BESIDE IT. THE WORD CAMISSA MEANS “THE PLACE OF SWEET WATERS”.
A mineral wallcovering in the lounge off the bar complements the jewel tones, warm gold, and timber and terrazzo finishes. Artworks by local artists were curated by owner David Ryan to deliver colour and drama. OPPOSITE,CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The open-plan kitchen is just off the atrium, which invites an easy informality; the underside of the concrete staircase has been left exposed, and the inverted steps, together with the breeze blocks and geometric balustrade, add texture and angular layering; gold details bring glamour to the downstairs bar.
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FLOWING OUT FROM THE GROUND -FLOOR BAR, THE POOL AREA MAXIMISES THE VIEWS OF THE SEA AND THE CITY, WITH TABLE MOUNTAIN RISING UP BEHIND. Guests have access to a variety of private and public spaces, whether it be a balcony off their suite, the rooftop sundowner bar or poolside lounging. Beside the pool, there’s also a more secluded lowered timber deck under the tree canopies.
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ABOVE The reading room-cum-TV lounge off the atrium features cosy dark panelling, plush fabrics and a wallcovering of an iconic Cape Town vista. BELOW indigenous fauna and flora were incorporated in the customised wallpaper designs, which introduce a theme and accent colour to each suite. OPPOSITE Timber, terrazzo and gold finishes have been used in the suites too, which all have different layouts.
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CAMISSA HOUSE OFFERS MODERN HOTEL COMFORTS WITHIN THE WELL-APPOINTED SHARED SPACES, ORIGINALITY AND SCALE OF HOME.
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THE HOTEL’S THREE FLOORS ARE TERRACED, AND THIS EFFECT OF LAYERING HAS BEEN ECHOED IN THE INTERNAL LAYOUT AND INTERIOR DESIGN. “The architects gave us a great footprint to help enhance the design,” says landscaper Chris Maddams. “With defined planting spaces, I repeated plants in different areas to create continuity and balance the hardscaping. I chose species that add colour, life and movement in addition to being low-maintenance – we don’t want gardeners interfering with guests.”
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PHOTOS GREG COX
NESTLED JUST BELOW THE
WORDS STEVE SMITH
NOON GUN,
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MOTHER CITY, IS A NEW HOTEL WITH AN OLD SOUL. PRODUCTION ANNEMARIE MEINTJES
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Major-domo Goosain Abass walks along the entrance hall, which has been coated in traditional red stoep paint.
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woman ambles over to our table to say hi, then wanders off again. She’s wearing her pyjamas and still looks a little sleepy. “She arrived to stay for a few days and never left,” confides a smiling Gail Behr, owner and proprietor of Dorp hotel. It’s a little vignette that’s entirely fitting given the establishment’s character. It doesn’t feel like a hotel… You walk in through the front door, pass a small entrance hall, and enter a large drawing room. There’s a New Orleansy feel to it. Muted avocado walls, big dusty-pink sofas, old brown tables piled with books, large green plants and soft 1920s jazz occupy the large double-volume space. It looks established. Venerable. Comfortable. “It’s the funniest place. I don’t know what Dorp is,” observes Gail tacitly, explaining her guest’s relaxed demeanour. “It’s not really a hotel. Maybe it’s a club.” And she would know what she’s talking about – Gail was the original owner of Plettenberg Bay’s celebrated The Grand Café and Rooms. What it really feels like is her home – a big, rambling old mansion that welcomes her friends to enjoy its easygoing charm and breathtaking views of Table Mountain. There’s a gravitas and a soul to this property that one usually only feels in an old building that, over time, has grown and moulded around its occupants. Except it’s not that either. Situated high above the Bo-Kaap, just below the Noon Gun at the very end of Signal Hill, Dorp is brand new, built from the ground up on the footprint of the old Noon Gun Tea Room – an unoccupied site that had long fallen into disrepair. Just how Gail and her team managed to do that – create a 30-roomed hotel with the character of an established property – is the real story. And yes, that’s also hard to pin down. For one thing, it didn’t involve architects. Mention that profession and Gail offers “maths and greed does not equate to art”, among some fruitier phrases. Instead, she asked interior designer and decorator Greg Mellor to sketch buildings based on the existing architecture. “We had a responsibility. If it was going to be on top of this hill, it had to be sympathetic to the community and to the surrounding natural beauty,” says Gail. “It needed to be simple. There’s no ‘design’ here. We’re both sentimental, and we both have a love for old buildings.” “For Dorp to be what it needed to be,” adds Greg, “you can’t think generically you can’t think practically. No two rooms are the same. Eventually we worked with a local draughtsman who drew up the building plans.” An interior decorator Greg may be, but he left that side entirely to the feisty proprietor: “Gail has her own wonderful aesthetic that I wouldn’t dream of interfering with.” That’s not entirely true: it’s clear they share a similar whimsical, irreverent and somewhat nostalgic sense of design. Most items were either collected over time, sourced at auctions or recreated. The secret sauce, of course, is how they are all curated and assigned – and that’s Gail OPPOSITE Vintage door and Behr’s talent. Rather than any kind of interior planning, you transom window from Tique, vintage cut-glass lights from get a sense that she’s chosen and placed items because they just Private Collections, breakfast feel right. And it’s created a rather special hotel – one where counter by Riridesign and you can wander down in your jim-jams and have a chat with stools from Weylandts. the proprietor over morning coffee.
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“IT’S THE FUNNIEST PLACE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT DORP IS. IT’S NOT REALLY A HOTEL. MAYBE IT’S A CLUB." – GAIL BEHR
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE All kitchen appliances are from Smeg; floors in the breakfast bar (and drawing room) are simple painted pine; most of the tables and chairs throughout the hotel were sourced at auctions, while the bookcase is from Private Collections. OPPOSITE The view from the drawing room to the breakfast bar. Tables were sourced at auctions; chairs are from Pezula Interiors.
RATHER THAN ANY KIND OF INTERIOR PLANNING, YOU GET A SENSE THAT THE OWNER HAS CHOSEN AND PLACED ITEMS BECAUSE THEY JUST FEEL RIGHT.
The vintage doors and transom windows in the drawing room were sourced by Private Collections. Sofas and all softs were made up by Pezula Interiors in fabrics from House of Hackney.
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ABOVE The Rose House suite has its own kitchen, his-and-hers bathrooms, a steam room and a private pool. BELOW The Compound family section features studios, kitchens and seven bedrooms. OPPOSITE The Arcadia – essentially a little hotel-within-a-hotel – has seven bedrooms. Dorp’s gardens were created by landscape artist and designer Leon Kluge, who clearly listened closely to owner Gail Behr’s brief of creating “something you’d find in the dorp of a small Karoo siding”. It’s filled with edibles, ranging from artichokes, leeks and carrots to various herbs and fruit such as plums, figs, pears, lemons and olives.
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The spectacular view of Table Mountain from The Moon family suite; the Rose House bathroom features a Hydrofire wood-burning fireplace; The Moon suite’s kitchen with distressed tile blocks that were found at a local tile shop. OPPOSITE Officially – but very warmly – called The Worst Room in the Hotel, this little tucked-away gem offers Dorp’s cheapest rates. The Andrew Martin wallpaper is offset by brass lamps from Pezula Interiors.
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“WE HAD A RESPONSIBILITY. IF IT WAS GOING TO BE ON TOP OF THIS HILL, IT HAD TO BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE COMMUNITY.” – GAIL BEHR visi.co.za
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A WEST-FACING N A M I B I A N SOAKS UP THE BEST VIEWS OF SUNSET-DRENCHED DUNES – AND LENDS A TOUCH OF WHIMSY TO THE BRUTAL LANDSCAPE.
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Windhoek-based architect Sven-Erik Staby incorporated an environmentally friendly construction design with excellent thermal insulation qualities. Natural building materials included sandbags filled on site. The walls are clad in textured plaster.
WORDS BIDDI RORKE
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T’S LIKE A WES ANDERSON-MEETS-RETRO MIAMI
film set in the heart of the desert: a 24-suite boutique on the border of the Namib Naukluft National Park that’s punctuated with unexpected shades of pink. Undeniably cheeky it may be, but Desert Grace – the latest addition to the Gondwana Collection suite of offerings – doesn’t scrimp on comfort or ignore eco-sensitivities. Bags filled with Namib desert sand were used to build the exterior walls, while the walkways that snake out from the central entrance/bar/dining hub were created from a mix of concrete and recycled glass. Inside, think terrazzo tiles, neon signs, pink umbrella stands, popcorn, pink drinks and feathers in varying shades of rose to acid pink. The message is clear: this sliver of Hollywood glamour takes itself seriously when it comes to ensuring guests have a playful desert experience. “When we were choosing the colour palette, we drew inspiration from the surrounding minerals – such as rose quartz and agate – and the colour of the dunes at sunset,” says Chris Browne, co-founder of Fox Browne Creative, who designed the interiors. “The buildings, with their tensile shade cloths, are essentially simple structures, and provided a clean slate for our vision.” The bar is definitely the hero of the main buildings, and its backlit stained-glass counters feature animals found in the area, including ostrich, gemsbok and jackal. “At night these counters glow, giving the room a lovely homely feel and encouraging lots of socialising.” To minimise light pollution, the Fox Browne design team relied on very few focused downlighters. “We only have two decorative pendant feature lights in the entire lodge,” Chris explains. “However, the retro neon bar sign casts a gentle pink glow across the communal areas, tempting guests to make the most of ‘one night in Namibia’.” In the generous guest suites, complete with private splash pools, floor-to-ceiling doors celebrate the vibrant vistas beyond. Window dressings mimic lavish stage curtains that guests have to draw closed with a flourish against the night-time desert chill. Chris says the little tented changing room in the arrival/reception/shop building is the ultimate nod to American film writer-director Wes Anderson, known for his idiosyncratic visual style. “It anchors the room – but it also inspires all sorts of extrovert guest behaviour!” Just a dusty 50km trip away from one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Sossusvlei, Desert Grace is a winsome space. As you check in, you’re hard-pressed not to check your worldly troubles at the door. Pink gin, anyone?
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Oryx skulls from Ikhaya, offset by vintage bric-a-brac, set the tone in the guest reception area and boutique shop. The interior design and implementation was led by designer Sandy Tsou of Fox Browne Creative.
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BAR PHOTO MEGAN DREYER
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The backlit stained-glass bar counters feature animals indigenous to the region; the angular exterior of the guest suites makes for interesting shadow play in the afternoons; simple, light outdoor furniture does not compete with the desert vistas. OPPOSITE Communal seating areas afford uninterrupted views of the dunes while clashing textures add spirit. The panels above the bar area were custom-designed by Sandy Tsou, and the Scandi-style sofas were created by Houtlander. A central indoor firepit adds warmth on chilly desert evenings.
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“THE RETRO NEON BAR SIGN CASTS A GENTLE PINK GLOW ACROSS THE COMMUNAL AREAS, TEMPTING GUESTS TO MAKE THE MOST OF ‘ONE NIGHT IN NAMIBIA’.”
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Flanking the central main building, 20 spacious west-facing double rooms and four family units boast small private splash pools. The curved roofs emulate the undulating dunes.
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“WHEN WE WERE CHOOSING THE COLOUR PALETTE, WE DREW INSPIRATION FROM THE SURROUNDING MINERALS – SUCH AS ROSE QUARTZ AND AGATE – AND THE COLOUR OF THE DUNES AT SUNSET.”
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VISI The Wes Anderson-inspired tented changing room takes pride of place in the lounge. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The bar’s sitting area features Houtlander sofas and a custom-designed quilted armchair, as well as an Oryx-horn light from Ikhaya; homemade gelato keeps guests cool; custom tables and eclectic smalls make for memorable coffee breaks; pink ostrich feather lamps in the reception area emit a soft glow at night to welcome late arrivals.
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| Namibian Lodge
WINDOW DRESSINGS MIMIC LAVISH STAGE CURTAINS THAT GUESTS HAVE TO DRAW CLOSED WITH A FLOURISH AGAINST THE NIGHT-TIME DESERT CHILL.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The bathroom tiles from Southern Art Ceramics make a powerful statement against custom basin stands and mirrors; marble on the shower partition adds texture and interest; Walvis Bay photographer Megan OPPOSITE Dreyer was commissioned to take the images that adorn the bedroom walls. Mirrored barn-style doors offer privacy in the en-suite bathrooms, where Robin Sprong wallpaper, reminiscent of old spirographs, covers the bedroom partition.
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Design, art, architecture, tech, books, booze & entertainment
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Design Journey
Husband-and-wife design team Katy Taplin and Adriaan Hugo of Dokter and Misses have been on the map with their furniture pieces since 2007.
HEARTBEAT LAMP The Heartbeat lamp epitomises our first collection, Series A, which focused on strong, two-dimensional silhouettes. Adriaan began by drawing a scale version of the lamp in tape on the wall. Thereafter, the idea was to bring it into the third dimension, creating a series of line-drawing lighting sculptures, tables and our first graphically embellished cabinet.
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HINGE UNIT We wanted to design a utilitarian piece that had the potential to become a staple in every home. The first Hinge unit launched in 2011, and remains one of our most popular products, largely due to its versatility and subtle detailing. What started out as a simple four-door cabinet with a unique door detail has been adapted to include taller versions, a lower TV unit, a bedside table and a freestanding kitchen unit fitted with a stone top.
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS MICHAELA STEHR
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R E A S O N S 2013 LALA Our inspiration for these pieces shifted away from Bauhaus and Scandinavian design to drawing on our local environments. The hand-painted versions draw inspiration from disparate sources: from two-tone taxis to painted Basotho homes, colour field painting and even mid-century Palm Springs. These cabinets are deliberately not mass-produced. They’re fun to make; each is different and an experimental composition and colour study, painted front, back and sides to be viewed from all angles – a true statement piece.
2018 LOWVELD SOFA & BED Reminiscent of rock-filled gabions, the Lowveld range’s linear, cage-like steel structure envelops block-like cushions. As with most of our work, there’s space for a certain degree of personalisation. The sofa presents endless options for colour and fabric combinations to play with, and the newest addition – the Lowveld bed – will be ready to roll in 2020.
2019 PRACTICALLY EVERYWHERE Our first solo show with Southern Guild Gallery, “Practically Everywhere”, is a collection of sculptural cabinets inspired by the visual noise of urban ecosystems, and sought to convey a sense of entropy. The furniture features jagged shapes, odd proportions and stacked forms overlaid with gestural marks and textural surface treatments. Our aim was to communicate a feeling of oversaturation and of being surrounded; interacting with, consuming and pushing against everything, practically everywhere. Southern Guild will show pieces from this collection at Design Miami in early December. dokterandmisses.com
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Time for Reflection
Romano Cardinal combines Bauhaus influences and his own multicultural sense of style in a range of mirrors and coffee tables.
aving worked as a graphic designer and art director for more than a decade, Romano Cardinal has branched out into interior and product design. The Swahili Collection, his first, features mirrors and a coffee table, and was launched at 100% Design South Africa earlier this year. “A well-chosen mirror can transform a room by reflecting space and light,” says the Capetonian of his handcrafted works, which are priced between R13 000 and R18 000, and which he makes to order. “I have combined my love of the Art Deco aesthetic with elements of African art and high-end materials to create arresting pieces.” To achieve the desired effect, Romano uses various tinted mirrors and manipulates coloured glass to create a functional art piece. Brushed brass and leather elements add texture and interest to the final product. “I don’t think mirrors have been given enough attention when it comes to interiors,” he says. “Instead of opting for a standard rectangular or circular mirror, choose a bespoke piece that makes a wild, bold statement and reflects your unique take on life.” Keep an eye out for Romano’s upcoming collection, which promises a touch of Bauhaus. romanocardinal.com
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PORTRAIT AND PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS BIDDI RORKE
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www.mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Johannesburg: +27 (0)11 444 1584 | Cape Town: +27 (0)21 797 4739 | Port Elizabeth:+27 (0)41 373 1266 | Durban:+27 (0)31 208 9520 +27 (0)10 021 5931
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The Vessel: A Viewpoint
South African architectural photographer Dave Southwood visits the controversial “Vessel” in Hudson Yards, New York City. Here’s his take…
ike two halves of its pineapplesque shape, Thomas Heatherwick’s Vessel has cleaved opinion straight down the middle. Some view the towering bronze structure as a supreme waste of money, and mindless materialism sprung directly from the self-important billion-rich matrix from which it’s grown – a $200 000 000 in-joke. The other half view it as a triumph of architecture and/or form – and judging by the queues at its base, tourists adore it. Part of the reason why the Vessel is hard to pin down is that it doesn’t slot easily into an established, formal, structural typology. It’s too big to be public art; it doesn’t have the sort of normative function attached to urban architecture or infrastructure, like a bridge; and it plugs squatly into its rather inhuman Hudson Yards context, as if Kim Kardashian needs to spritz it with Evian from her watering can. In an utterance designed to destabilise categorisation further, Heatherwick Studio group leader and partner Stuart Wood has said, “In a way, we’re thinking of this as a piece of furniture.” Thanks Stuart, but it’s 14 storeys high…
I arrived at the Vessel at 11 o’clock, expecting to experience a crush – but the tickets are free and the line moves quickly, so I managed to hit the stairs within 10 minutes. If you want to book a specific date and time to visit, you can do it on the Vessel’s website (it’ll cost you $10); otherwise, just pitch up early and queue. The materials and structure – copper-coloured steel fabricated in Italy, and flattened, interlocking hexagons – combine beautifully, and I found my hardline attitude to “mindless materialism” being rapidly chamfered. The Vessel does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it bookends the High Line’s northern extremity; it symbolises Hudson Yards; it agitates and subverts architectural categories; and, most importantly, it provides a backdrop against which millions of tourists can snap millions of selfies. “Vessel” is the word that currently stands in for the final name of the structure, which will be decided by the public and has yet to be nominated. And since that slot remains empty, why not visit – and suggest one? Open: Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm | hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel
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PHOTOS AND WORDS DAVE SOUTHWOOD
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Campus Creative Two striking new buildings at the University of Pretoria manage to both blend into the rest of the campus and make bold design statements.
JAVETT ART CENTRE by Pieter Mathews of Mathews & Associates Architects A public arts centre on a university campus that spans a public road, Javett Art Centre’s design is dominated by a bridge that stitches the two campuses together. It comprises nine impressive gallery spaces: two that house the seed donor’s collection, two learning galleries earmarked for students, and five others for rotating curated exhibitions. A faceted concrete vault is the structure’s standout feature, and contains South Africa’s crown jewels, the Mapungubwe Collection, with the golden rhino as the star attraction. To fit into its context, the building had to respond to various conditions. “The aim was to create a new building without bling that sits comfortably within the constraints of the various existing buildings,” explains architect Pieter Mathews. It had to appear as if it had always been part of the campus landscape, and to age well. To achieve this, a neutral grey palette was created with honest materials such as galvanised steel, concrete and brick. In addition to the bridge, the canopies are a unique feature and a popular Instagram composition. Constructed from lightweight concrete, the fibre panels tell the narrative of Shweshwe cloth. By placing a gallery on the bridge, art and architecture serve to embrace the city and its inhabitants. javettup.art | maaa.co.za
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PHOTOS ALET PRETORIUS, PIETER MATHEWS AND DOOK WORDS DIANE DE BEER
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FUTURE AFRICA CAMPUS by André Eksteen of Earthwor d Architects On a continent that features a vast diversity of cultures and areas of study, the diaspora of African academics has left scientists isolated. This project aims to change that, and instead foster fellowship and collaboration. The brief called for an integrated living/working environment for post-doctorate students from all cultures and backgrounds, with a design that facilitates and enhances trans-disciplinary research within the African context. The design of Future Africa can be read through levels of permanence: primary forms of concrete and masonry, followed by secondary structures of steel, and finally the lightest tertiary layer created extensively from timber. This internal skin allows for future adaptability of the space. Plywood and laminated veneer were digitally “converted” into puzzle pieces, brought to site and hand-assembled by unskilled labour, which allowed for alternative, more inclusive contracting. There is so much detail in the integrated design, which includes furniture such as bookcases that offer semi-private areas within the otherwise very open space. Visual connectedness was a strong driver in the decision to have split levels, so all the floors have a relationship with one another. The success of the building is experienced as this connectedness, which extends to the outdoors and the evolving edible garden. futureafrica.science | ewarch.co.za
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Between North & South
Lucy MacGarry, executive director of Latitudes, shares highlights from the art fair that brought together galleries, artists and independent creatives.
ver three days, the Latitudes Art Fair welcomed a diverse crowd of curious explorers and loyal art lovers to Nelson Mandela Square in Joburg. It was launched as an annual edition with one of the standouts being a collaboration between printers Jillian Ross and Roxy Kaczmarek and various artists with the David Krut Workshop. The 2019 edition resulted in five original silkscreens by artists Adejoke Tugbiyele, Sthenjwa Luthuli, Pebofatso Mokoena, Clint Strydom and Mbali Tshabalala. The curated section, “Essay”, gave fair visitors access to the work of struggle veteran, artist, poet and academic Pitika Ntuli and Durban-based artist Sthenjwa Luthuli; while “Independent”, presented by the South African Mint, provided a platform for artists who work independently, without traditional gallery representation. There was also a daily kids’ programme packed with aspiring young artists. “It is certainly something we will be expanding on,” said Lucy, recognising the crisis in arts education in South Africa, where only five percent of schools provide art as a schoolleaving subject. “We plan to harness the combined experience of our team to create tools and opportunities to complement the school curriculum.” Latitudes also announced a long-term partnership with PJ Simelane Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto. “I’m excited about the many relationships we initiated,” said Lucy, “which have already led to projects for our next edition.” latitudesartfair.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Bongi & Thomas by Marion Boehm; Evolving Self by Mali Tshabalala; Ugibe Lwendlela by Sthenjwa Luthuli; the Latitudes team of (from left) Lucy MacGarry, Makgati Molebatsi, Roberta Coci and Nokwazi Zimu; Maami Awo by Raphael Adjetey Adjei Mayne.
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PHOTOS MARIANNE SCHWANKHART/DRAGONTREE AND SUPPLIED WORDS CELESTE JACOBS
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Excellent Taste
Alice & Fifth in Sandton scooped top honours as “Best Overall Restaurant” at the international Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Its designer Tristan du Plessis of Tristan Plessis Studio provides insight into its inspiration.
eminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy with a Russian twist, Alice & Fifth is a sensory indulgence slap bang in the heart of Sandton. “It’s an interplay between the masculine and the feminine,” says designer Tristan du Plessis, who was tasked with transforming a derelict basement into a dining space so extraordinary, it has been celebrated as the very best. “It’s a study in nostalgia, with a dark, contemporary twist.” From the entrance – with its black panelling, ripple metallic ceiling and tasselled chandeliers that guide diners into the central space – to the rare Arabescato marble bar counter, the interior epitomises elegant drama. The lighting is skilful and layered, and the faux-fur elements conjure up images of the crème de la crème of the Soviet Union smoking cigars, downing vodkas and shaking hands over business deals. “We chose a very rich 1920s colour palette of muted greens and deep burgundies for the upholstery,” Tristan says. “Walnut detailing in the curved banquettes and elsewhere lends added sophistication and warmth.” Handsome French oak herringbone floors ground the space and offset burnished brass details throughout. And a total absence of greenery makes for a welcome change from ubiquitous hipster hangouts. “The only option for plants in a windowless basement would be artificial, and we wanted all our materials to be authentic,” Tristan says. The 225-seater is a juxtaposition of high glamour and rough, unrefined edges – perfect for those with a love of opulence and an adventurous spirit. aliceandfifth.co.za | tristanplessis.com
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Loving the Vida Lunar
Designer Mia Senekal’s brand, murrmurr, draws on scenes and textures in nature to inspire her new, locally crafted furniture collection.
OW DID YOUR FURNITURE JOURNEY START? n I’ve long wondered what form of design would truly captivate me – what I would absolutely love to work on for the rest of my life. In October 2018, I had a kind of epiphany: I decided to stop working full time and start my own furniture business. I've always been drawn to the details of design and furniture suited that perfectly.
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WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES? n The New Moon Couch is definitely my favourite. It was the first piece I designed that made me feel like I can actually do this. It’s beautiful and comfortable, it suits any space, and it feels almost endless with the rolling flutes. I also love the Quarter Coffee Table. I love marble – the natural beauty of it and how the unique character of the material makes each piece original. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR NEXT COLLECTION GOING? n I will be building on the Moon Collection – I still have many designs inspired by the moon – and I will be focusing on marble for a while. I’ll also be bringing lights into the range. murrmurr.co.za
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PORTRAIT AND PHOTOS SUPPLIED INTERVIEW MICHAELA STEHR
HOW DID YOU COME TO CHOOSE THE MOON AS INSPIRATION? n I’m in awe of nature and find most of my inspiration there. At the moment, I’m fascinated by curves. Our apartment has a balcony, and sitting outside one night I looked up at the moon in its crescent form and just knew that I needed to play with that shape. I started looking at the other phases of the moon and it all came together. It just flowed.
Create the extraodinary with Bushtec Creations
Kwetsani Camp, Botswana
CREATING ONE-OF-A-KIND TRAVEL DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE ƵƐŚƚĞĐ ƌĞĂƟŽŶƐ ŝƐ Ă ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞĚ ĚŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂŶǀĂƐ ĂŶĚ dĞŶƚ ŐƌŽƵƉ͘ /ƚ͛Ɛ ďĞĞŶ ŽǀĞƌ ϱϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ƐŝŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ ĮƌƐƚ ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ ŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ƚĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽǀĞƌ ƟŵĞ͕ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĚŝǀĞƌƐŝĮĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĂŶĚĞĚ ŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ ƵƐŚƚĞĐ ƌĞĂƟŽŶƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŶĐĞƉƚƵĂůŝƐŝŶŐ͕ ĚĞƐŝŐŶŝŶŐ͕ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ǁŽƌůĚͲĐůĂƐƐ ĨƵůů ƚƵƌŶŬĞLJ ƚĞŶƚĞĚ ĐĂŵƉƐ͕ ůŽĚŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐŽƌƚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ůƵdžƵƌLJ ƚƌĂǀĞů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ KƵƌ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ƚƵƌŶŬĞLJ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ŚĂǀĞ ĞŶƐƵƌĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ͛ǀĞ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ ĚƌĞĂŵ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶƐ͕ ĨƌŽŵ ƐƚĂƌƚ ƚŽ ĮŶŝƐŚ͕ ŽŶ ĞǀĞƌLJ ŬŝŶĚ ŽĨ ƚĞƌƌĂŝŶ ʹ ůĂŶĚ͕ ĚĞƐĞƌƚ͕ ŵŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ Žƌ ǁĂƚĞƌ ʹ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ĨƌŝĐĂ͕ ƵƌŽƉĞ͕ ƚŚĞ DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ͕ ƐŝĂ͕ h^ ĂŶĚ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ͘ ƵƐŚƚĞĐ ƌĞĂƟŽŶƐ ŝƐ ĚĞĚŝĐĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƉƵƐŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďŽƵŶĚĂƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ŽŶ Ă ŐůŽďĂů ƐĐĂůĞ ŝŶ ĐŽŶũƵŶĐƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ͕ ůŽĚŐĞ ŽǁŶĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĐŚŝƚĞĐƚƐ͘ &Žƌ ƵƐ͕ ŶŽ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŽŽ ƌĞŵŽƚĞ͕ ŶŽ ŝĚĞĂ ƚŽŽ ďŽůĚ͕ ŶŽ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞ ƚŽŽ ďŝŐ͘ Contact us on +27 (0)12 671 1117 | bushteccreations.com | info@bushteccreations.com A CANVAS AND TENT company
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Into the Blue
Chosen as one of Time’s Greatest Places of 2019, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve is offering guests a unique marine safari experience.
arlier this year, Natural Selection added the first South African property to its portfolio of luxury lodges and camps on the continent. Perched on a rise on low-impact stilt platforms, Lekkerwater overlooks 6km of private beach in the eastern section of De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is a few hours from Cape Town. After the existing building was destroyed in a lightning-induced fire in the reserve in 2015, Natural Selection took over the concession, and co-founder Colin Bell and his wife Heather tackled the redevelopment of the site. “Despite having access to a large stretch of private coastline, the new design had to stay within the exact footprint of the original property,” explains Heather who, together with Karin Lategan from Formist Design Studio, was responsible for the interior design. “This demanded some creative problem-solving when it came to the layout and how best to accommodate guests and staff.” The result is seven individual en-suite cabins, each with a private balcony and wood-burning stove, and a communal lounge/dining area. As with all Natural Selection properties, it’s been built and operates with a consideration for the environment. Heather shares more about the project…
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WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT LEKKERWATER? n Directly offshore is the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, which stretches for 51km along the coast and for 5km out to sea. It’s an extremely important sanctuary for marine life, and the bay in front of Lekkerwater has one of the highest densities of southern right whales during the whale season from July to November, when they come to mate and calve. There are not many places where you can lie in bed and watch whales and dolphins frolicking in the waves, dine under the stars on a private beach with your feet in the sand, or explore pristine and unpopulated beaches and abundant fynbos. A unique feature of Lekkerwater is that all guests arrive on the same day, and stay for a minimum of two nights.
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A TWO-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO GUESTS See p62
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WHAT WAS YOUR INTENTION FOR THE INTERIORS?
Each bedroom has an original painting by artist Jemima Sargent. The subjects were inspired by De Hoop’s landand sea-based flora and fauna. PREVIOUS SPREAD Dining happens communally around a large dining-room table, which was created using timber from alien trees that were removed during the building’s development. The cuisine celebrates the culinary history of South Africa as well as ingredients sourced from local farms within the Overberg. Lekkerwater’s oyster catcher logo was translated into driftwood sculptures by Danny de Kock.
WHERE DID YOU TURN FOR INSPIRATION? n The lodge needed to blend in as seamlessly as possible with the environment. The history of the area was another key guide. Early Khoisan hunter-gatherers lived harmoniously with nature along these shores, and caves to the east of Lekkerwater have revealed scientific evidence of homo sapiens ancestors. The first Portuguese explorers and navigators sailed past Lekkerwater in the 1400s, followed by the ships of the Dutch East India Company in the 1600s. More recently, Lekkerwater was ex-president FW De Klerk’s “Camp David”. To capture the story of the region, we commissioned artist James Dumo to draw 19 original sketches that form a wallpaper timeline in the dining area. naturalselection.travel | formist.co.za
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PHOTOS DOOK WORDS AND PRODUCTION AMELIA BROWN
n We strove to create a sanctuary where guests can feel part of the natural surroundings, where they can open the doors to the outside or cocoon themselves indoors, depending on their mood and the weather. Our intent was to incorporate the diverse storyboard of the area, including the history of the lodge (and our country), the marine life, the amazing and unique fynbos, and the bird life. We wanted guests to feel at home immediately. We chose materials inspired by nature and a muted palette, with shades of blue reflecting the surroundings. The vision was for a mix of unique finds, collectibles and curious bric-a-brac, soft fabrics and throws, textured rugs, and sentimental treasures. Being eco-friendly and socially and sustainably responsible was also part of our core objectives.
”WE STROVE TO CREATE A SANCTUARY WHERE GUESTS CAN FEEL PART OF THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS.”
The use of cement was limited due to it emitting CO2, so the buildings are made with wood from local timber. The lodge is powered by solar. Landscaper Sean Privett visited the site a year before Lekkerwater opened and collected fynbos snippets, which he propagated and replanted after the build was complete to rehabilitate the area. A percentage of each guest’s accommodation costs goes to Cape Nature or the government to be used for the reserve’s running costs and conservation efforts. With its Explorers Programme, Natural Selection offers specials to African citizens, making its camps more accessible to local travellers. naturalselectionexplorers.co.za
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Into the Swim of Things Summer has landed. Got your swimsuits lined up? Look cool when the temperature’s hot with proudly South African poolside trends.
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hankfully, 2019 ushered in a welcome body-positive movement and swimwear has stepped up to meet this reality. Beautifully bright, loud, proud and print-strong? No problem. A simple, quiet and calm single colour in a costume that works as a bodysuit? We’ve got you. In a sea of prints, shapes and sizes, here’s a roundup of the finest, freshest pool-ready kit from our very own shores.
Mungo Folly Beach Towel in Fiddler Crab, R870, mungo.co.za The first batch sold out within a couple of weeks, so best you get your hands on this joyful 100% cotton towel designed, woven and finished in SA.
Pichulik Alegria pendant, R890, pichulik.com Pichulik’s bold rope jewellery is the perfect summer accessory. Pieces from SS 20 collection “Plenty” feature pops of coral, Pantone’s Colour of the Year.
Granadilla Swim Dune Surfer Blue, R740 (sizes XS-XXL), granadillaswim.com Granadilla Swim makes the most fun, graphic shorts. This pair paints a picture that happily reminds us of a Kenesha Sneed illustration.
Kimono Africa Peridot Green Linen Kimono, R899 (sizes 34-38), shopkimono.co.za This linen kimono taps directly into a carefree, breezy holiday mood. You can picture yourself swishing around in it all day.
Akina Lilah straight neckline swimsuit, R1 200 (sizes XS-XL), akinalabel.com Using eco fabrics and an ethical factory, Akina has its priorities straight: It offers a range of beautiful, simple swimwear that’s eco-friendly, too.
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Woolworths Chevron Tie Front one-piece, R399 (sizes 4-20), woolworths.co.za Your retro dreams have come true – sealed with a bow in a cute tie front. This swimsuit serves Paddle Pop joy, sans stickiness.
Beach Cult Lyra Mustard Karoo two-piece, bottom R490, top R1 100 (sizes S-L), beachcult.co.za Hello high-waisted bottoms (because who doesn’t love a bit of bum and belly support?), and a top with underwire cups and adjustable straps.
Temple of Reason Multi Temperament shorts, R750 (sizes S-XXL), temple-of-reason.com Temple of Reason specialises in small-batch summer collections created with artists and illustrators. This pair, featuring the work of Chris Auret, already has summer plans.
Babatunde Goundam bucket hat, R360 (sizes S-XL), babatunde.co.za Keep it cute, bright and graphic in an African-print bucket hat. Sun protection is always key, so why not stay stylish while you’re at it?
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On the Water’s Edge
New eatery 9th Avenue Waterside is housed in a redesigned A-frame building overlooking the Durban Yacht Mole.
he traditional tropes of maritime design are precisely what architect Kevin Boyd wanted to avoid when designing 9th Avenue Waterside. Originally built 25 years ago adjacent to the Royal Yacht Club, the building used to house a popular restaurant but has stood vacant for seven years, serving only as a shelter for the resident pigeons. 9th Avenue itself is not new to Durban, and owners Gina and Graham Neilson have built a solid following with their French-inspired menu and dedication to sustainability. Their location in Morningside meant their only view was of a parking lot, so when the opportunity to relocate came knocking, they didn’t hesitate. The brief from the Neilsons centred on salvaging as much as possible. Kevin utilised the existing A-frame structure and painstakingly restored most of the aluminium, replacing the ceiling and changing the shape of the roof by adding a third pitch. The more time Kevin spent in the space, the more he realised that the bobbing of the yachts created a constant sense of motion, despite being on solid ground. This meant he had to maintain strong, linear frames to help keep things grounded.
Since the floor space is one long 50m strip, “We wanted this to feel like you were on board a superyacht,” says Kevin, who brought in a subtle, old-world maritime aesthetic, with brass railings and wine racks, plenty of timber and even a nostalgic brass tea trolley. And there is a stark functionality that one would expect from a yacht. Undulating bathroom basins mimic the curvature of a sea vessel, and were fashioned by a carpenter who used to be in the business of building ships. Granite countertops mirror the hues of a moody sea, while rattan and teak furnishings commissioned in Bali, with Indonesian teak dining-room chairs, offer hints of island living – especially in the upstairs bar and coffee lounge, where oversized swings create a cocoon with a view. Timber ceiling fans were sourced from Knysna, Kevin’s “second home”. Distinctive disc-shaped brass lighting fixtures from Weylandts, hinting at secret treasure troves, complete the downstairs dining area. “At least we now look onto a parking lot for yachts,” says Gina, laughing, of their new-look space, which could rival any French Riviera setting. 9thavewaterside.co.za | kevinboyd.co.za
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PHOTOS CLINTON FRIEDMAN WORDS MELANIE REEDER
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Raising the Bar
Soundbars – all-in-one speaker systems – have gone luxe with the Beosound Stage, a beautiful piece of design by Bang & Olufsen.
his high-end luxury Danish consumer electronics company has long had a reputation for audio and video products revered as much for their minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic as they are for their innovative technology. The latest is the Beosound Stage: a powerful soundbar that doesn’t rely on a subwoofer or satellites to create an immersive experience. ”The first time you hear Beosound Stage, the impact of the deep, powerful sound hits you immediately,” says Christoffer Østergaard Poulsen, vice president of product management at Bang & Olufsen. ”It’s clean, elegant and powerful.” The soundbar was designed in collaboration with Danish studio Norm Architects as part of Bang & Olufsen’s design direction to “humanise technology”. The result saw the use of geometric shapes and natural materials, in line with the company’s other products that integrate beautifully into the home. It is characterised by a simple frame – in aluminium, bronze aluminium or smoked oak – which surrounds the textile front of the speaker. For the audiophiles, the Beosound Stage features 11 speaker drivers, each with its own 50-watt amplifier; Dolby Atmos 3D multichannel sound so you can hear individual sounds moving around; and five listening modes (TV, music, movie, night listening, or none). The soundbar is also compatible with music-streaming technologies such as Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2, and has Chromecast support built in if you want to stream personal playlists when the TV is not in use. The Beosound Stage is priced at R32 000 for the bronze and R47 000 for the smoked oak. beo-sa.com
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS NAFISA AKABOR
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Same – But Different
How Toyota and BMW managed to design two very different cars out of the same fundamental DNA.
ore than anything else, there are two things that dictate automotive design. One is safety regulations – for occupants and for pedestrians – and the other is aerodynamics. This is mostly why today’s vehicles are often criticised for all looking “the same”. Look at blacked-out silhouettes of the leading contenders in any automotive segment and you’ll find that they are, indeed, all remarkably similar, with only a different grille, wheels and head/taillamps to distinguish them. Which is why the two very different cars you are looking at here are so remarkable. They’re fundamentally the same car. Like, actually the same car. The result of a cost-sharing collab between Toyota and BMW, not only do they share a chassis, but each also has the same six-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbocharged engine.
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Yet, clearly, each brand has cleverly brewed up some very different design features. The most obvious difference between the two is the fact that one is a roadster and the other a coupé – but there are other significant elements that distinguish East from West. Leading the BMW brigade is the group’s Dutch design director, Adrian van Hooydonk. He and his black-polo-necked team have penned a sleeker, more elegant design that looks more like a low-flying cruise missile than it does the racetrack-ready Supra that chief designer Nobuo Nakamura and his crew have sculpted. The Z4 features an expanded and flattened version of the signature kidney grille that also functions as the main air inlet – the lower inlets are mostly blocked off and have more of an aesthetic function than anything else. The Supra inverts this with a solid nose and
PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS STEVE SMITH
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TOYOTA GR SUPRA Engine 3.0-litre, 6-cyl turbopetrol Transmission 8-speed auto Outputs 250kW/500Nm Price R1 072 300
large functional inlets below it that also have a downforce-inducing aerodynamic purpose. Headlamps too offer differing executions, with the BMW’s almost on the side of the car and extending over the front fender, while the Toyota’s are decidedly more forwardfacing, with more aero intakes flanking each light. Viewed from the side, Supra’s racier personality gets amplified by more intake elements above the front fenders and ahead of the rear ones. It’s this intake on the door panel, along with a lower character line that swoops up and over the Supra’s flared fender, that gives the Japanese car a genuinely muscular and aggressive stance. The rear styling only echoes all of this, with the Z4’s sleeker rear lights and tail a direct contrast to the Supra’s blunter, more pragmatic approach. Although the shared
platform dictates an identical 2 469mm wheelbase, the Supra is marginally longer, lower and narrower, further adding to its more aggressive silhouette. You’ll notice this different character behind the wheel too, and while they share the same drivetrains and suspension, each has been tuned slightly differently. And it’s resulted in something of a surprise: the Supra may look more aggressive, but in Sport+ mode it’s the Z4 that feels edgier, with the Japanese car, on the other hand, feeling smoother and more linear in its power delivery. And there you have it – same-same, but different. Two great cars that share the same DNA, yet manage to look and feel noticeably different. And in this era of sustainability, this is the kind of automotive cost-sharing that should be applauded.
BMW Z4 M40i Engine 3.0-litre, 6-cyl turbopetrol Transmission 8-speed auto Outputs 250kW/500Nm Price R1 036 699
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In the Present
Treat yourself or someone you love with these it-items based on the year’s biggest trends.
TREND: VIDEO GoPro Hero 8 Black Action Camera, R7 995, ormsdirect.co.za More than 500 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube every single minute. GoPro’s newest version remains rugged and waterproof, with enhanced stabilisation and plenty of other features to give amateur footage professional cred.
TREND: UPCYCLING + 4D PRINTING adidas Parley Alphaedge 4D, R5 999, shop.adidas.co.za Innovation meets sustainability in these futuristic unisex running shoes. The technical mesh upper comes together with an intricate upcycled printed sole (Carbon 4D technology, to be exact). Created in collaboration with environmental changemakers Parley, the material comes from plastic waste intercepted before it reaches the oceans.
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SAMSUNG GALAXY SMARTWATCH ACTIVE II Page 62
TREND: WEARABLE TECH Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Active II, from R8 499, Wearable tech was the top fitness trend of 2019, but rather than resembling a piece of sports equipment, the Galaxy looks like a stylish wristwatch. It has an extended battery life, and the rotating bezel offers easy navigation of its features.
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TREND: MARBLE Le Creuset Marble Signature Round Casserole, R5 990 lecreuset.co.za While classic Carrara marble will never be a fleeting trend, it has had a major resurgence. The pattern is now a popular print, spotted on T-shirts, shower curtains and now Le Creuset. The marbled enamel pattern is available in a limited-edition 24 cm casserole dish.
TREND: MOONBAGS Hemp moonbag, R280, hemporium.co.za Moonbags are back in a big way. For the conscious consumer, this one’s made locally from a blend of durable, eco-friendly industrial hemp and organic cotton.
s TREND: PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR “LIVING CORAL” Chanel Exclusive Creation Rouge Allure Rouge Splendide, R835, woolworths.co.za For summer, splash on Chanel’s limitededition luminous lip colour in Pink Coral.
TREND: CBD Dr Kerklan Natural Skin Cream, R995, goodleaf.co.za Legalised for trade in South Africa in 2019, cannabidiol (CBD), which is derived from the cannabis plant, has become a trending ingredient globally. While it won’t get you high, it’s favoured in natural skincare for its antiinflammatory properties.
TREND: REUSABILITY Eva Solo Urban Travel Mug, R449, yuppiechef.com Single-use products are seriously maligned, and switching to a reusable coffee cup is an easy environmental save. This one’s got double insulating vacuum walls to keep drinks hot or cold.
COMPILED BY AMELIA BROWN
TREND: PLANT PARENTING Lechuza Yula Self-Watering Plant Bag, R409, yuppiechef.com Backed by science on the environmental and wellness benefits of having them in work and home environments, plants have become a major element of interior design. Keeping them alive can be tricky – but this sleek self-
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TREND: INTERNET OF THINGS Google Home Mini Smart Speaker, R1 299, smartspeakers.co.za Voice activation continues to advance the internet of things. Understood universally to mean a search for information, the word “google” has its place in the dictionary – and this handy little helper is on standby to answer your questions.
TREND: STREAMING Apple Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones, R4 899, myistore.co.za Whether it’s to fuel a podcast addiction, get motivated in the gym or handle an open-plan office, everyone needs a good set of earphones. These are wireless, voice-activated, adjustable and sweat- and water-resistant.
TREND: SOBER CURIOUS Ginifer Sober Non-Alcoholic Distilled Dry Gin, R299, yuppiechef.com One of 2019’a big wellness trends involved sobriety, with many people drinking less or not at all. The rise of the “sober curious” has led to an increase in alcohol-free wine, beers and pre-mixed cocktails. This traditional dry “gin” with a hint of lime was distilled in Joburg.
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Top of the Pops
Is there a better time of year to sip perfectly chilled Champagne? Here are five of our festive favourites.
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n MOËT & CHANDON ICE IMPÉRIAL A blend of mainly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the fruity Ice Impérial was created specifically to be enjoyed over ice. From R695
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DOM PÉRIGNON ROSÉ 2006 e 2006 edition is rich, generous d textured. With its fine balance Pinot Noir (56%) and Chardonnay 4%), the fullness of the wine is iking, as are the crisp flavours, it aromas and smoky accents. om R3 900
UINART BLANC ANCS intense, ruit notes – icular those citrus – this pagne house’s p wine is the t aperitif. 995
n MOËT & CHANDON IMPÉRIAL LIMITED 150TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION This limited-edition festive season design marks the 150th anniversary of Moët Impérial, the French house’s flagship. Richly flavoured and finely balanced, it pairs as well with canapés as it does with desserts. From R529
PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS LUCY KENNY
n VEUVE CLICQU VINTAGE 2 Dominated by its usual Pinot structure (61%), Vintage 2008 features the finesse of Chardon (34%), a touch of elegant P Meunier (5%), and light vanilla ge R
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Sponsored Content kara Cap Classique
mily-owned Stellenbosch wine estate known for wines with understated flair has released the second of its ultra-stylish Tokara Méthode Cap Classique. his 100% Chardonnay is crafted from cool-climate grapes grown on Tokara’s prized Elgin property. The 2012 vintage is a Blanc de Blancs Gold medallist at the 2019 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge and boasts a 94/100 rating from the highly respected British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin. Spending more than five years on the yeast lees before disgorgement has resulted in an extraordinary depth of flavour, elegance and complexity. The fine, consistent mousse interplays with aromas of freshly baked brioche, fresh apples and a hint of lemon blossom typical of Chardonnay. Delicate bubbles explode in your mouth, leaving you with flavours of toasted almonds, freshly buttered toast, notes of lemon and lime preserve, and just a hint of crisp minerality. The incredibly moreish Tokara Cap Classique is set apart by its unusual Butterfly bottle, specially designed to lend gravitas and sophistication, with a stylish gift box adding that extra wow factor. tokara.com
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n R650
KARE Furniture, Lights & Accessories Known for design that dares to be different, the KARE brand has made a name for itself globally, offering non-conforming statement furniture, lighting and decor accessories that refuse to “go quietly”.
hristmas in KARE’s vast Kramerville store is a time the brand relishes, needing no excuse to deck the halls and gear up for the giving season. Filled to bursting with a treasure trove of must-have festive gifting among bold and fun-loving furniture pieces, the showroom’s impressive 1 000m2 of styled room sets is laden with covetable pieces. Expect a spirited scene, high on style and big on drama, that’ll leave all who visit inspired for the holiday season. From money boxes that’ll make you smile, artworks and vases to photo frames and glamorous tableware to up the ante at the festive feast, KARE is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas gifts, with a variety of options to suit all tastes. At KARE, the spirit for design that is out of the ordinary will leave you and your home invigorated – no matter the season. kare-johannesburg.co.za
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Sponsored Content
All I Want for Christm
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atering to discerning tastes this festive season, the Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey gifting packs will add a jovial sense of occasion to any celebration. Create streamer slices of cucumber for your Hendrick’s Gin cocktail, get people talking with a perfect ice sphere in their Tullamore Dew, g of the Monkey Shoulder
ew Ice ck
n Monkey Shoulder in festive packaging R369
n Hendrick’s Gin Cucumber Curler gift pack R399
Sponsored Content La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier
Spoil someone who enjoys wine with this exclusive vintage selection of La Motte’s internationally awarded Pierneef Syrah Viognier. eautifully matured as the final step in the process of winemaking and to contribute to the ultimate enjoyment of the wine, the Pierneef Syrah Viognier is full-bodied but elegant. The intricacies of a cooler-climate South African Syrah combine with a small but central percentage of Franschhoek Viognier that adds lively floral nuances to this Rhône-inspired blend. Regular international recognition supports the Pierneef Syrah Viognier’s consistent ratings as one of South Africa’s top wines and makes it a treasured gift. The selection is curated by La Motte cellar master Edmund Terblanche, and is beautifully packaged in a vintage wooden case.
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n Pierneef Syrah Viognier Vintage Selection (6 bottles in a wooden case), R2 300 n 2016 Pierneef Syrah Viognier (1.5L in a wooden box), R620 n 2016 Pierneef Syrah Viognier (750 ml), R270 la-motte.com
Herringbone Rugs
Beautiful hand-woven rugs from this celebrated local brand are the perfect starting point for designing your new interior. rug is a big investment, so it’s wise to start with a neutral palette and build your space from there, adding colour and pattern as you go. You’ll find mostly neutrals in Herringbone’s new range of contemporary rugs, but the patterns and textures in these beautiful pieces show that neutral is anything but boring. Hand-knotted in a combination of wool and viscose, the rugs bring a sophisticated, understated elegance to a space. Herringbone carries a wide selection of items in its Cape Town store, including flat-weaves, woven jutes, vintage hemp rugs and a range of Moroccon berbers – and many of the rugs can be customordered, says co-owner Sarah Craig. “We do follow trends, but our passion is for beautifully made, timeless pieces that speak of the culture, art and craft of the area in which they’re created.”
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In Our Good Books
From fashion and art to architectural and gardening these magnificent monographs make the perfect gifts for enthusiasts.
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STAN SMITH: SOME PEOPLE THINK I’M A SHOE! By Stan Smith with Richard Evans Rizzoli New York, R1 009 A visual compendium that chronicles the beloved adidas sneaker and its innumerable iterations based on the original 1960s template designed by American tennis champ Stan Smith. Peppered with big-name quotes and a foreword by Pharrell Williams, the book is a beautiful piece of design, with imagery of some of the iconic collaborations, celebrity fans, vintage advertisements, personal anecdotes and archival photos.
THIS BOOKS HAMPER Page 62
THE STORY OF GARDENING
By Penelope Hobhouse with Ambra Edwards Ilex, R490 In the update of the original by the same name, horticulturalist and garden design authority Penelope Hobhouse shares the history and evolution of garden design. Get lost in the full-colour images and discover the earliest documented gardens of ancient Mesopotamia, how and where plants travelled, the influence of Japanese design, the big trends of the 21st century and more
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ROGER BALLEN
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JOHN PAWSON: ANATOMY OF MINIMUM
By John Pawson and Alison Morris Phaidon, R970 John Pawson’s vast body of work spans homes, abbeys, museums and even yacht interiors, as well as product and set design. The latest book to document this celebrated architect and designer’s career features more recent projects, including his own home in rural England. Photography, illustration and commentary all explore his minimalist language of proportion, geometry, repetition, light, precision and restraint.
PHOTOS JAN RAS AND SUPPLIED WORDS AMELIA BROWN
By Roger Ballen and Colin Rhodes Thames & Hudson, R949 American-born Joburg-based artist and photographer Roger Ballen’s unsettling subject matter continues to explore the human psyche. As well as photographs spanning his 50-year career, the book features installations created for an exhibition at Halle Saint-Pierre (his first major exhibition in France), and full-colour self-portraits and works from his own collection of Art Brut.
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White Here, White Now
’Tis the season for perfectly chilled white wine. Wine writer Tshepang Molisana shares her top five picks for summer.
MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE BLEND 2018, R305 This wine speaks to the treasure the Swartland possesses and the sagacity of its winemakers. It’s a blend of 69% Chenin Blanc, 12% Clairette Blanche, 9% Grenache Blanc, 7% Viognier and 3% Semillon Gris. Some of the vine parcels are up to 65 years old. Perfect paired with: Sesame-seared tuna poke bowl.
16 ASHBOURNE BLANC 2019, R90 Comprised of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% unwooded Chardonnay, which give it white peach aromas and a citrus palate, this white is as light and elegant as a summer day. Perfect paired with: Rosemary focaccia drizzled with olive oil.
HOLDEN MANZ PROPRIETORS’ BLEND 2018, R190 Comprised of 20% Chenin Blanc, 40% Viognier and 40% Chardonnay, and offering peaches, flowers and orange peel, it’s layered, textured and beautifully integrated. Perfect paired with: A classic avocado ritz with pan-fried prawns.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
HARTENBERG RIESLING 2017, R120 A great complement to holiday food – and an even better complement to holiday conversation. With lime and mineral notes and fine acid, this bone-dry wine still carries an inherently sweet character. Perfect paired with: Curry or seasoned chicken livers.
HAZENDAL CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL THE WHITE BLEND 2018, R140 Hazendal, a Dutch word that translates to “valley of the hares”, is a farm in Stellenbosch that’s full of personality. Winemaker Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt’s delightful blend of 34% Chenin Blanc, 29% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Chardonnay is complex, with notes of pear and gooseberry. Perfect paired with: Pear and rocket balsamic salad with candied walnuts.
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Level Up
Elevate your post-work drink and watch the sunset at one of these stylish rooftop bars across the country.
Cape Town
n TJING TJING ROOFTOP BAR Tucked away on the third floor of a 200-year-old heritage building in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD, Tjing Tjing’s rooftop bar has a great inside/outside flow. Part-moody attic and part-airy terrace, the space transports you to an otherworldly setting. Try the Ghost in the Shell – a blend of sesame-infused rum, hazelnut liqueur, fresh grapefruit and roasted banana with maple syrup and lime. tjingtjing.co.za
n GIGI AT GORGEOUS GEORGE The Gorgeous George hotel’s sixth-floor rooftop is home to Gigi, a design-led bar inspired by the tiki-themed drinks of head mixologist Jody Rahme. A glass-panelled pool with a surrounding wooden deck sets the mood for long summer evenings spent soaking in the buzz of the city. Go local with an Isiqhingi (“island” in Zulu) - rum shaken with vermouth, passion fruit, Chardonnay, peach cider, caramelised-lime juice and orange-lavender bitters, and served in a ceramic bowl.
n THE SILO ROOFTOP Panoramic views of Table Mountain? Check. Fabulous architecture? Check. Classic cocktails? Triple check. Lounge poolside while soaking in some of the greatest views the Mother City has to offer. If you’re feeling peckish, fresh oysters paired with some of the region’s best MCC are on offer. Pro tip: take note of the incredible architecture of the silo building on your way up, and maybe visit the Zeitz MOCAA for a cultural art fix. theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS MICHAELA STEHR
gigirooftop.com
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JOBURG & PRETORIA
DURBAN n THE LIGHTHOUSE BAR Situated at the trendy Oyster Box hotel, the Lighthouse Bar boasts spectacular views of Umhlanga beach and the landmark red-and-white superinstagrammable lighthouse. The sophisticated bar mirrors this theme, bringing red, white and gold with touches of dark wood into the decor. Beat the Durban heat with a refreshingly smooth apple and mint cosmopolitan. oysterboxhotel.com
n FORTI Looking for a place to spend a balmy Pretoria evening? Forti’s outdoor patio houses three modern gazebos, with an outside area on par with the inside restaurant in size. Watch the sunset over Pretoria East while sipping on one of the many wines available on the extensive list. If you’re feeling flush, check out the walk-in humidor for a cigar. forti.co.za
n VIEWS AT TWENTY5 This retro-urban lounge is all about craft cocktails and fancy spirits – and if you’re looking for a night out in Durban, it’s a good place to start. Expect vintage decor inside, with the outside rooftop setting making the most of the city lights. A classic margarita with a salted rim is a welcome first drink. viewsattwenty5.co.za
PLETTENBERG BAY
n KATY’S PALACE BAR Overlook the Jozi skyline at this unique rooftop venue in Kramerville. The whimsical decor combines an eclectic mix of old and new – like plush couches, a grand piano and Moroccan lanterns – for an offbeat, hip experience. Indulge in a bottle of bubbly and dance the night away on the checkerboard-tile floor. katyspalacebar.co.za
n SKY BAR AT SKY VILLA Three-hundred-and-sixtydegree views of the ocean, the mountains and the Keurbooms lagoon are the order of the day at this Plettenberg Bay boutique hotel’s rooftop bar. Nothing short of five-star luxury, the Sky Bar is the perfect spot for unwinding after a long day at the beach. Try a refreshing lime mojito next to the magnificent pool for that holiday feeling. capesummervillas.co.za
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Large Ceramic Vessels www.digbyhoets.com
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SAFARI BARS “At the end of the day, an essential” The Field Bar
The Odyssey Bar
With movable partitions, solid wood tray, fold up legs. Walnut. Handworked leather. Solid brass hardware. Length 66cm. Width 35cm. Height 37cm.
Walnut. Solid brass hardware. 10 partitions. Highly portable. Length 55cm. Width 28cm. Height 37cm.
Dael Melvill 082 600 5000 | dael@melvillandmoon.com
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Single Coat Oil-Based Wood Stain
Protects, nourishes and colours wood in one easy application Can be used on all types of uncoated wood for both interior and exterior application Easy to apply in one single coat 1 litre covers up to 50m² Low VOC’s and Global Green Tag Certified Wide colour range with over 70 colours to choose from Good stock levels and quick turn around time Competitively priced quality product backed by great service Proudly made in South Africa
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dea POP-UP & UNDER
Pop-up greeting cards are too special to be stored away in a cold, dark drawer. Like The Little Prince’s flower, they should be put under glass – displayed but protected.
PHOTOS MARIJKE WILLEMS PRODUCTION AND WORDS ANNEMARIE MEINTJES
Glass dome displays R109 each, homestuff.co.za Listen to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella The Little Prince, narrated by Kenneth Branagh, on YouTube.
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