Bringing creativity inhouse

WORDS Maciek Dubla PHOTOS Fay Jackson

Lees in Afrikaans.

It’s A House is one of those places that you probably wouldn’t notice on a drive by, but inside is a hub of connectivity that would have any creative buzzing. Maciek Dubla chats to partner David Dix about what makes It’s A House a home. 

The first time you step into It’s A House, you’re going to ask yourself three questions. Is it an office? Is it a bar? Is it a shop? In fact, this little hideaway in De Waterkant in Green Point is all three and while a little bewildering at first, you’ll soon find yourself relaxing, having a drink and taking a look at some local designer clothing while a business meeting happens at the benches just 2m from you. And that’s exactly how the creators of It’s A House wanted it. 

It’s A House is the brainchild of Scott Paterson Morris, a model and photographer who, while waiting to go overseas on a modelling contract in 2012, decided that investing in South Africa’s young creatives was important now more than ever with the world’s eyes on Cape Town as World Design Capital 2014.

Scott’s business partner, David Dix, sheds some light on their creative collaboration. “The concept came to Scotty and a friend of his as he was lying on a couch conceptualising a shoot. Having gone to all the coffee shops and restaurants in Cape Town, he was saddened at the fact that no one in these spaces was connecting and he then imagined an uninhibited space for like-minded people to connect as well as gain exposure for what they do.” 

This gap in the market got Scott thinking and soon he managed to find a space that would not only serve as the perfect platform to give young creatives exposure, but also for a space where any and all creative fields could come together and collaborate and feed off each others’ creative energies. 

The space, in a small side street in Green Point was the ideal blank canvas to work with. Previously an empty storage facility and then a laundromat, the all-white interior allowed them to let their imaginations run wild and the idea of “the house” seemed to be the most obvious setting.

“The concept of ‘the house’ was based around a home-type environment, as we believe people are least inhibited by being in a comfortable space,” David sums up.  “We wanted people to feel comfortable and resonate with objects within the space as it also gives you a feeling of belonging and familiarity. The house is where the heart is so its the hub of all the other cool shit we do.” 

The entirely wooden interior of It’s A House is inspired by Scott’s Finnish background as well as a want to feel a connection to nature as both feel it helps to keep them grounded. Originally wanting to create a space in which everything was curved, their tight budget wouldn’t allow for it so they made the centre point of the space a full circle – the circular bar and everything else around it works in circles – creating a feeling of continuity. 

The furniture is a mix of old and new. Both partners travelled extensively to find all the right pieces for the space, some even from other peoples’ homes. So every item has a sentimental value to each of them, while resonating with just about everyone who walks into and works within the space.

Integration. Interaction. Collaboration. These three words are what encapsulate the ambience that has been created within It’s A House. Quite simply, It’s A House is really more a home, a space for people to feel comfortable and inspired, allowing them to share their big ideas over a cold drink and some good food while occasionally distracted by the live gig going on in the background. 

Pop in for a coffee or a drink at 20 Jarvis Street, De Waterkant, Green Point, they’re open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 23:30pm. For regular updates on their events, like itsahousect on Facebook and follow @itsahousect on Twitter. If you want to book an event, give them a call on 021 418 2411, itsahouse.co.za