Serene Seaside Apartment by Weylandtstudio

This seaside apartment in Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal – with interiors crafted by Weylandtstudio – unfolds in muted tones, clean lines, and thoughtfully layered textures, offering a quietly luxurious backdrop to contemporary coastal living.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Elsa Young

When Weylandtstudio designer Astrid Kingsley began working on the interiors of this coastal penthouse, she knew it had to strike a fine balance between functionality and considered design – and, above all, foster a strong connection to its surroundings.

“For me, it was essential that the design of Atlas embodied authenticity and minimalism, with a palette of natural, earthy tones,” says Astrid. Designed in collaboration with Bloc Architects, the brief called for a home that reflects coastal living at its most refined – defined by tranquillity, simplicity and understated luxury. “This project exemplified client collaboration – from the initial brief to final installation, every detail was designed with trust. As a designer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than creating a space that fits a client’s vision so perfectly,” she adds.

The apartment’s layout is anchored in open-plan living, with soft spatial transitions defined by curved lines, textured wall treatments and an honest palette of natural materials. Materiality plays a starring role: raw stone and a mix of dark and light timber lend the interiors an organic, grounded sensibility. “’Imperfect’ finishes, such as oxidised brass and textured plaster, were intentionally chosen to add depth and character, seamlessly complementing the bold, simple shapes and recurring organic forms,” Astrid explains.

Each area within Atlas is connected both visually and functionally, allowing for an intuitive flow between social spaces and private retreats.

At the entrance, a custom-designed server and bar immediately set the tone – tactile, warm, and quietly confident. “Every fixture and piece of furniture was thoughtfully hand-picked and curated to reflect and enhance the interior architecture’s distinct elements,” notes Astrid. In the dining room, a bespoke James Mudge table with aged brass inlay is positioned to take full advantage of panoramic ocean views. Meanwhile, the kitchen and living zones are grounded by sculptural furniture, oxidised brass finishes and raw stone detailing.

Weylandtstudio also partnered with Source Artistry to curate a selection of artworks that echo the home’s design language while reflecting the personal tastes of the clients. The art collection includes works by notable South African artists – among them ANNA Award 2025 finalist Amy Rusch, as well as Laurel Holmes and Clinton Friedman – creating a strong visual thread between interior and landscape.

Ultimately, the soul of Atlas lies in its authenticity. “The design was driven by soul – going beyond precision or aesthetic appeal, it reflects a deeper connection to the essence of the brand, the client, and the values that matter,” says Astrid. | weylandtstudio.co.za

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