New Space: Fuel at IBM HQ

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES Tristan du Plessis

Interior designer Tristan du Plessis of studioA Signature Projects is the man behind a number of amazing Joburg spaces, including the trendy Hell’s Kitchen in Melville and Dakota Lee Tattoo Parlour in Kramerville, as well as the sophisticated Arque Champagne Crescent in Sandton.

He recently completed his latest project, Fuel, at the new 4-Star Green Star SA rated IBM headquarters at 90 Grayston Drive in Sandton, a building that recently won the award for Best Commercial Office Development as part of the SAPOA Innovative Excellence in Property Development Awards.

It’s hard to believe that Fuel is actually a canteen for IBM’s employees. The stylish space offers an à la carte menu, as well as a sushi, salad and coffee bar. For Tristan, it was important that all of these elements came together seamlessly. “It was a challenge to make all these elements flow,” he says. His goal was “to create a high-end dining experience, that at the same time feels approachable enough that you could run in and grab a coffee to go.” The design was inspired by the need to create a balance between a warm and social space, while still keeping in line with the modern surroundings of the building.

“We also had to cater for a variety of patrons, from entry level employees to high level executives,” he explains. “We used warm materials like copper, French oak and quilted tan leather juxtaposed with charcoal floors, gun-metal mirror walls, black-glass table tops and contemporary dining chairs. Striking a balance between warm and approachable textures and furnishings while maintaining a premium, contemporary feel was the backbone of the design.”

View more of Tristan’s projects at studioa.co.za.