WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Daniela Zondagh; Greg Cox/Bureaux; Supplied

SLEEK MINIMALIST: THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Super-slick and ultimately luxurious, the Sleek Minimalist trend for bathrooms features cleverly hidden storage, sophisticated bathroom tech, and either monochrome or tone-on-tone neutral colours. With an all-white palette the ultimate option for truly dedicated enthusiasts, this look also lends itself to oversized tiles, slabs of stone and plenty of subtle shine. Very dark colour schemes – think deep, rich brown, charcoal or even black walls and floors – also look seriously sophisticated right now. Sanitary ware is integrated into walls wherever possible, and kept studiously simple and linear in design where it does have to be on show. And last but not least, the latest bathroom tech is also key here: it’s time to investigate adding smart toilets, adjustable privacy glass, steam- free mirrors, and touchless fixtures and taps to your bathroom space.

YOU’RE A SLEEK MINIMALIST IF…

• Your favourite film interiors are still those seen in that classic of ’90s sci-fi, Gattaca
• Sculptor Donald Judd is your all-time favourite artist
• You’d love to dress head-to-toe in Jil Sander or Comme des Garçons
• Mindful meditation is your favourite form of exercise
• Your dream holiday is a week at Amangiri Spa, in the spectacular Utah desert

PLAN AHEAD

Our experts agree that when choosing this seamless, slick look for a bathroom renovation, nothing is more important than careful planning.

“Everything in a bathroom must be planned out from the beginning,” explains interior designer and cofounder of Tonic Design, Philippe van der Merwe. “Anything that wasn’t considered – with upfront planning and detailed measurements – is likely to stick out like a sore thumb, and cause problems down the line. Be especially careful about storage with concealed cabinetry, which needs to be built into the space so it feels seamless.”

Architect Chris van Niekerk of CvN agrees that meticulous planning is key. He also thinks that functionality is exceptionally important. “I like to view bathing as a ritualistic daily experience, so it’s really more than function and aesthetics – the space should be about the intimate ritual of cleansing,” he says.

While Chris is wary of following trends too slavishly in bathroom spaces, he says, “One of the current trends I notice and can align with is the intention to create minimal, monastic environments where surfaces are calm and continuous.”

EASY PIECES

Three key pieces of bathroom design advice from Tonic Design’s Philippe van der Merwe:

Functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. “Functionality is always the first thing we sort out when it comes to design – especially in the bathroom, where you need maximum gain from a relatively small area, because this is such a functional space,” he says. “Functionality is aesthetics as well as function – they are not separate or oppositional. This is why you should consult a professional team who will give you something that’s fully designed.”

Focus on storage – and good lighting! For Philippe, bathrooms must have efficient, well-designed storage to be user-friendly. “Install a narrow and wide cabinet above the vanity for the functionality of being able to simply open a door to locate everything you need,” he says. “No digging around in drawers!” Also essential: “Good lighting – which means no top lighting as it is very unflattering.”

Don’t make these all-too-common mistakes… There are many design mistakes, says Philippe, including “not considering the full functionality of the space, and having too much reverence for baths, especially if you don’t really use them. Always think about how you will use the space, and how it will work best for you.”

TAKE NOTE

We asked architect Chris van Niekerk for his key bathroom design notes.

When budgeting, where should spending be prioritised? High-quality bathroom items and finishes are important, but the scope should extend beyond that. You should think about the atmosphere you’re trying to create, and figure out a way to achieve that within budget. That pertains to the flooring, lighting during the day and night, as well as the experience and sound of running water.

When asked to create a minimalist bathroom, what are the areas on which you focus? Practical considerations such as storage aside, I think about the room as a space that should be as unadorned as possible. A shower does not need to look like a shower; a bath can be part of the floor; the basin can resemble a baptismal font. All these elements can add to an elevated experience.

• And what about the latest tech? Still Bathrooms owner Martina Panzer suggests you consider these cutting- edge technologies:
• Optimal energy use and water efficiency (these are as important as comfort)
• Touchless taps and toilets
• A toilet and bidet in one
• When it comes to luxuries: chromotherapy showers and steam shower combinations.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post In Focus: Sleek Minimalist Bathroom Trend appeared first on Visi.

South African design aficionados Tonic have put a sexy, smart spin on Spitz‘s flagship Sandton City store.

After two surreal years of home deliveries and crowd-avoiding supermarket dashes, who will ever take a normal, leisurely shop for granted again? Being able to browse and amble around stores, buying or even just desiring, has taken on new meaning. The people, the spaces, the goods – it’s a heady experience.

Indeed, providing an experience is what Tonic believe is at the heart of retail. “Don’t dumb store design down – you want people to think ‘Wow’,” says the firm’s Philippe van der Merwe. This wow factor is something he and his partner Greg Gamble have specialised in for decades, and exactly what they’ve deployed at the Spitz flagship store in Sandton City.

Spitz started out in the Joburg CBD in 1968, but it’s a label synonymous with shoes designed and made in Italy (like those in their Carvela collection), and overseas brands such as Lacoste and Kurt Geiger. They’re top-end names that appeal to different tastes – a consideration for the Tonic team as they embarked on this, their 15th Spitz store interior.

READ MORE: The Storer in Kramerville

Appropriately, Rome was Philippe’s starting point for the space. “It really is Italy for me, and we wanted to highlight the mix of Spitz’s South African heritage and a strong connection with that country,” he says. “The space had to feel luxurious but not all new – that’s the sense you get from those old cities.”

So, in a Pantheon-like move, they divided the store with lines of columns, and used a gorgeous plaster across the walls and ceiling – it’s crisp, but has texture. Even the marble used is a not-so-subtle nod to Italy. “It’s red, green and white,” Philippe says. “What a luxury to use, and in interesting ways.”

READ MORE: Design Journey: Tonic Design

The front of the store is neutral and sophisticated. The taupe curved seating is plentiful, and there’s
a symmetry to the area’s design – it’s calming and inviting, although there’s a lot going on. At the back, things take a turn: suddenly you’re in a patch of vivid colour, glossy tile, wild pattern and pure indulgence, strongly referencing an Italian spin on the ’80s Memphis design movement. Those of us with a penchant for statement shoes would call this our natural home.

And in a stroke of genius, the Tonic team have made the shoes part of this dynamic. Instead of being banished to a storeroom, the mobile shelves of beautiful blue shoeboxes are a strong aesthetic element upfront. It’s design that’s a step ahead.

Looking for more interior design inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post Fantastic Feet: Spitz’s Flagship Sandton City Store appeared first on Visi.

Joburg designers Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe are celebrating Tonic Design’s 21st birthday this year. Known for its refined craftsmanship, the brand is as sought-after now as it was two decades ago.

1999

We met while studying interior design at Wits Technikon, and later decided to start a business together. The first Tonic studio was a tiny shop next to Fournos at Dunkeld West Centre. We began with the interiors of News Café and Mimmos restaurants, but then decided to start designing furniture – beautiful pieces proudly made in South Africa. The Alpine cabinet was one of our first designs. We wanted to create furniture that could be passed down through generations. People labelled us “retro” at the time, because the things that resonated most with us were the craftsmanship and construction of furniture from the 1950s through to the ’70s (which we felt was missing in the ’90s). It took us a long time to shake that off.

2008

Since 2008, we’ve been designing airport SLOW Lounges, and our approach has remained the same from the start – rational, functional planning with an aesthetic that derives from that. We don’t try to force an aesthetic on a space. Instead, we respond to the environment and function while exploring various materials. A lounge is not just a place to sit and drink; it’s also a place in which to relax and have your senses stimulated.

2011-2017

Pieces of furniture we designed when Tonic began are able to sit alongside pieces that we’ve just released. Our furniture is timeless because we don’t follow trends. We launched the coffee table (above left) at Design Indaba in 2011, the year we spoke at the conference; it’s an abstract piece of solid oak, and had us playing around with just one material. The 2015 Lobby server, on the other hand, is about material contrast: hard steel and warm walnut. We also love its juxtaposition of clean lines and ridges. In 2017, we designed the Facade unit (above right), a Brutalist piece made of sandblasted aluminium, inspired by brise-soleil façades that shield buildings from the sun. Architecture is a big reference in our furniture.

2019

The Garden Café at The Newt in Somerset in the UK is owned by Babylonstoren’s Karen Roos, so we knew it wouldn’t be just another little café in the countryside. We had to deliver something exceptional; at the same time, it needed to be understated. This contrast plays into much of our work. We believe our environment is there to enhance an experience, not to be the experience. We designed the café to make the most of the garden views, and to celebrate the way the food is made with an open kitchen. It’s restrained but with considered details, such as the washbasins in the bathrooms that reference old drinking troughs on the farm.

Current

We expanded our Kramerville showroom last year, to coincide with Tonic’s 20-year anniversary. There are references to Joburg in things such as the textured walls and the earthy space with elements of high gloss. It allows us to showcase our furniture in an interesting way, creating architectural environments with zones for visitors to journey through. We’re so fortunate to still be doing what we do – being creative and playing.

tonicdesign.co.za

The post Design Journey: Tonic Design appeared first on Visi.

Designer Tiaan Nagel worked with interior-architectural design studio Tonic Design on the interiors of his eponymous flagship boutique, which recently opened in Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg. 

“Philippe [van der Merwe] and Greg [Gamble] strike the perfect balance between sophistication and ease,” explains Tiaan. “For me personally, as someone who battles to compromise, they are the best to work with – they push the boundaries without being faddish, improving the space and how the product will be seen and experienced.”

Tiaan showed Philippe references, many of which featured the brown tones of late ’70s interiors, including Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Paris apartment on rue de Babylone designed by Jacques Grange: dark browns with hints of honey, sulphur and amber.

“Philippe’s eye for colour and shape is so finely tuned,” Tiaan continues. “I didn’t want anything black or white; it’s too cold. The whole project was about creating warmth and mood. In order for us to stand out from the crowd, it couldn’t feel like a traditional store. So I asked Tonic to create a shell where I can curate all the things I love, like an apartment instead of a store, filled with art, fine craft, beautiful design, and more.”

The salon-apartment feel is reinforced with the plush velvet sofa, designed by Tonic, paired with a riempie ball-and-claw chair; oversized curtains made from raw Belgian linen, which drape on wide natural oak floor boards; coffee table books and vases on top of a lacquered table with multiple legs; a contemporary mirror that could be in a boudoir; LED lights below polished marble shelves; brushed stainless steel, a counterpoint to a dark antique armoire.

“I knew I needed modern pieces, but also ones with character, so I turned to fine-art and antiques specialist Riaan Bolt to help me find pieces that spoke to that feeling and to my obsession with all things handmade,” says Tiaan. “Some are 150 years old – Cape stinkwood carved and inlaid with contrasting wood to create beautiful patterns that I find contemporary today. That’s the thing with items that are well made, they retain value and surpass trends.”

Tiaan has also launched a new fashion collection for summer 2019/2020 entitled “Remember You Are” inspired by the poetry of Ntokozo Mbokazi. The womenswear range pays homage to beautiful fabrics. The pieces, which feature graphic silhouettes, are made from vintage fabrics Tiaan sourced over years from fabric mills that are no longer in business or don’t have the capacity to reproduce certain styles.

Pottery also formed part of Tiaan’s inspiration – both for the collection and the boutique – as he examined his collection of Rorke’s Drift pottery. In the Remember You Are collection the pottery’s pleasingly simple shapes inform the oversized details on a shirt or the volumes of a sleeve. And for the store, the nuance of the colour of clay guided the palette – greyish blues, warm ambers, pale yellows.

Of the boutique, Tiaan concludes, “It’s this strange relationship between the older antiques, the modern furniture, the sculptural ceramics, the progressive art pieces and the clothing collection that sets the perfect tone for a new way of doing retail, I believe.”

Find the store at Shop 55UM Hyde Park Corner, on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park, Johannesburg. Visit tiaannagel.co.za to find out more and stay up to date with the brand on Instagram (@tiaannagel). 

The post Cool Spaces: Tiaan Nagel appeared first on Visi.

A

AKJP

Fashion designer Keith Henning (Adriaan Kuiters) and artist Jody Paulsen joined forces to start this creative collective.

Amy Ayanda

Based in Cape Town, artist and musician Amy Ayanda creates beautiful artworks and clothing.

Atang Tshikare

Through collaborations with various product designers, Atang has become a household name when it comes to surface design.

Arkivio

Find lighting, mirrors and homeware from this experimental Durban-based design studio.

Asha:Eleven

Asha:Eleven works with factories that care about what they do and who they do it with, as well as with small social empowerment groups who have incredible skillsets. They’re also inspired to reduce the negative impact that production has on the planet.

B

bbellamy & bbellamy

bbellamy&bbellamy is a textile studio and curated fabric shop founded by David Bellamy and based in Muizenberg, Cape Town.

Benji + Moon

Local pet brand Benji + Moon’s products are sure to keep tails wagging.

Bofred

The brain-child of Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus, this collective creates original collections focused on lighting, furniture and art.

Bronze Age

Bronze Age is a Cape Town-based art foundry that specialises in the casting of bronze sculptures, utilising both wax and sand casting processes.

C

Ceramic Matters

Established in 1997 by Gerhard Swart and Anthony Harris, Ceramic Matters’ decorative ceramics and corporate ware have garnered an international following.

Clinton Friedman

Based in Durban, designer and artist Clinton Friedman creates homeware and fashion items including scatters, art prints, dish cloths, aprons and serving trays.

Conrad Hicks

“Because I am a blacksmith, I am a toolmaker. Hence, as an artist I am fascinated by the instinctive relationship that I discover between beauty, form and function and how they are inseparable. I work to discover where that beauty lies. The tools that I make are the ‘creative’ component and the work, a record of the creative thought.”

Crystal Birch

London-trained milliner Crystal Birch worked under Piers Atkinson in the UK before she launched her eponymous brand of stylish hats – “which pair perfectly with one-piece swimsuits,” she says – in 2014. In 2018, she became a director of the 82-year-old hat factory, Parisian Milliners, where her unstoppable energy is directing the business into the 21st century while retaining its hand-made charm.

D

David Krynauw

David Krynauw is the creative behind his own local solid wood furniture studio.

Dear Rae

Cape Town-based jewellery designer Karin Rae creates striking and whimsical pieces.

Dokter and Misses

It’s impossible to talk local furniture design without mentioning Adriaan Hugo and Katy Taplin’s brand.

E

Egg Designs

Looking for contemporary bespoke furniture? Founded in 1996 by Greg and Roché Dry, Egg Designs has found the golden mean between personalised and trendy.

Elle Kay Fabrics

This Durban-based textile brand designs bold fabrics that embrace geometric and contemporary patterns.

F

Famke

Jewellery designer Famke Koene creates simple, geometric pieces in sterling silver and gold.

Fanie van Zyl

We’re crazy about this industrial designer’s style. Make sure to check out his Jozi-inspired stainless steel bookends.

Frank Conradie

Frank Conradie is a successful illustrator, designer and co-founder of Run Rabbit Run studio in Cape Town.

G

Galago

Galago is an ethics-driven, fashion-forward brand, crafted and inspired around Africa, drawing on craft and traditional techniques to create contemporary products.

Gisele Human

Gisele makes her jewellery designs by hand in Cape Town under her label WAIF.

Gregor Jenkin Studio

“Is it art? Is it design?” we find ourselves asking when we see the creations of Gregor Jenkin and his team.

H

Haldane Martin

Established in 2002, this furniture and interior design studio has grown to be among the best known in the country, having picked up clients such as Cécile & Boyd and Woolworths.

Hamzeh Alfarahneh

Creative director and multidisciplinary designer Hamzeh Alfarahneh is behind NOT JUST A COMB, a collection of one-of-a-kind fabricated ductile combs.

Hoi P’loy

Hoi P’loy is a vintage lighting company based in Cape Town. The brand was created as a play on the Ancient Greek expression ‘Hoi Polloi’ as well as the name of company co-founder, Ploy Phiromnam.

Houtlander

Headed up by furniture makers Phillip Hollander and Stephen Wilson, Houtlander’s pieces draw on Scandinavian traditions. All made of oak, a durable wood with a lovely grain, Houtlander’s designs are minimalist, functional and sturdy.

I

Imiso Ceramics

With her hand-pinched collection and his pieces inspired by influences as varied as the works of Picasso and the practice of body scarification, co-founders Zizipho Poswa and Andile Dyalvane continue to raise the bar for ceramics in SA.

I Scream and Red

Cape Town-based designer and entrepreneur Zaid Philander is changing the world “one stitch at a time”.

Ithaca Fine Homeware

The simple pleasure of sleeping under exquisite bed linen is unsurpassed. Ithaca’s locally made and hand-finished pillowcases, duvets and throws promise a perfect night’s rest. “As an interior designer, working with fine fabrics for many years almost left me no choice but to create something exquisite that we can use and appreciate in our homes on a daily basis,” says Ithaca owner Ilze Swart.

J

Jade Klara

Jade Klara graduated with a B.A from UCT and a B.A from Vega. In her work, she plays with whimsical imagery and narratives. Jade currently works from her studio in Woodstock.

James Mudge

Creating beautiful furniture using traditional cabinet-making techniques is in James Mudge’s blood.

JimnoJean

For locally made gifts, beautifully wrapped and delivered countrywide, check out the online shop Jimnojean.com, which sells local artists’ work, homeware, jewellery, fashion and conscious beauty products.

Joe Paine

This product and furniture design label prides itself on creating products that are “inventive but simple, sophisticated without pretension, with a focus on outdoor application, plants and birdlife”.

K

Koop Design

Founded by Richard Stretton, this studio combines a furniture design and an architectural practice. Much of the furniture is designed in collaboration with architects and interior designers.

L

Laurie Wiid van Heerden

This award-winning designer is the founder of Wiid Design, a Cape Town-based design studio with a contemporary furniture range. Be sure to have a look at his iconic benches.

Lichen & Leaf

Lichen & Leaf is a multi-disciplinary Cape Town-based studio that sees Cynthia Edwards hand craft all the items alongside an outsourced team of talented artisans and craftspeople. We just love her bold earrings.

Lisa Firer

Ceramicist Lisa Firer’s unique porcelain vessels are created through a hand-rolled slab-built technique.

Love Milo

Love Milo creates a variety of products in cork and textile, in addition to prints on 100% cotton using sustainable and eco-friendly hand printing techniques and ink.

M

MAG by Andile

Andile Mdakane launched MAG Urban African Accessories in 2016. Inspired by ancient African symbols rich with meaning, MAG earrings and brooches come in various shweshwe finishes.

Mantua

Mantua Silkwear scarves, which are locally crafted in Stellenbosch, aim to transcend trends, creating designs that are multifunctional, versatile and not limited to a particular season. Owned by textile and clothing designer Juandi Andrag, the scarves are inspired by art and the way silk reacts against the skin.

Mash.T Design Studio

Headed up by creative director Thabiso Mjo,  this interior and product design firm aims to re-imagine the African aesthetic.

MaXhosa by Laduma

The MaXhosa collection is a vibrant ode to the evolution of African style.

Merwyn Gers

Merwyn Gers Ceramics create functional objects from clay, including jugs, plates, mugs and bowls, from its studio in Cape Town.

Micah Donnoli

Micah Donnoli appeared on VISI’s radar thanks to his striking combination of concrete, wood and oxidised copper in a sideboard.

Michael Chandler

Michael is the founder of Chandler House, a small design studio, antique shop and art gallery. He has an eye for the old, rare and beautiful, and a keen sense of how it fits into the now.

Moss & Moon

Simone Stiglingh, owner of Moss & Moon Apothecary, is passionate about creating products that contain only natural ingredients and essential oils. She was born into a family who all have sensitive skin, so she has always preferred to turn to nature or the pantry rather than commercial products. Moss & Moon is a collection of her best recipes formulated into shard-like soap bars, oils, creams and tinctures.

Mungo

“From our mill to our shop, from us to you.” Mungo is a South African story of textiles inspired by history taking it into the future.

N

Nic Bladen

We are captivated by this sculptor and jeweller’s botanical sculpture series (made using plant castings), which hits that sweet spot between art and design.

Nicky Levenberg

Textile designer and fine artist Nicky Levenberg created the contemporary homeward brand, AUREUM.

O

Okha

Traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic make this design studio and retailer one of our favourite purveyors of African luxury.

P

Paper Republic

Gauteng-based Paper Republic specialises in the creation of functional paper products, decorative items and eye-catching installations.

PICHULIK

PICHULIK is drawn to the intimate relationship women have with jewellery – how it speaks of a woman’s travels, her mother or grandmother and the people she has loved.

Pierre Cronje

Inspired by the designs of the Cape Dutch Settlers and French Huguenots, and drawing on Shaker-style simplicity, Pierre Cronje revises these traditions into unique, iconic furniture pieces.

Porky Hefer

Artist Porky Heffer spent 16 years in advertising, then founded the creative consultancy Animal Farm and Porky Hefer Design in 2011. His public sculptures and product and furniture designs have won him international recognition.

Q

Quirky.Me

The home of “kooky decor and genius gifts”, this design business sells items collected by Ingrid Corbett, and sometimes created by Ingrid in collaboration with local creatives and artisans.

R

Renée Rossouw

A trained artist and architect, Renée creates patterns, products, murals and art.

Robin Sprong

Robin Sprong Wallpaper is a Surface Design company that specialises in creating incredible imagery for interiors.

Ronel Jordaan

In 2003, Ronel Jordaan, having been a textile designer for 26 years, began researching the possibilities of using felt as a creative medium. Entirely self-taught and following her own creative instincts, she began to turn fine gossamer thread into robust felted forms.

S

SamaSama

Sama Sama was started by Kimberly Lardner-Burke and Max Basler in early 2018, bringing out clothing with a focus on an understanding of movement, unrestricted feelings and with compassion for the body. The clothing is designed to be comfortable while maintaining style and using fabrics which are 100% natural.

Siyanda Mazibuko

“I more than love the process of creating or bringing imagination to life. I have this insane passion to imagine and create. For me, this is what design is about,” says founder of PATE Arts and Crafts.

Skin Creamery

Founded in 2014 by Hannah Rubin, Skin Creamery aims to be kind to the planet while being kind to your skin. We love the idea of minimising clutter in your bathroom by having a few well-designed products that don’t compromise on quality. And you can order refills, too.

Skinny laMinx

This Cape Town-based textile design studio, founded by Heather Moore, maintains a strong focus on Scandi-inspired, Japanese-influenced pattern and colour, with a dose of African chic thrown in for good measure.

SMITH Jewellery

Anna Raimondo, founder and Creative Director of SMITH Jewellery, celebrates the coast in her latest collection, entitled Shoreline.

T

The Light Forge

A small Cape Town based studio making one-off, highly translucent slip cast porcelain and stoneware vessels.

The Lula Collection

Nature is at the heart of Lula, from the inherited craft of the weaver bird; the natural and organic material used to craft the product; and the human interaction with it. Browse its collection of hand-woven lifestyle products that celebrate local artisans making with heart.

The Urbanative

This contemporary African furniture and product design studio, founded by designer Mpho Vackier, creates products for stylish spaces, from planters, chairs and nesting tables to floor lamps and ottomans.

Tydloos

Tydloos.com makes bespoke wall clocks.

U

Unfayzdesign

Founded by Fayaaz Mahomed, Unfayzdesign creates bespoke lighting and furniture using industrial and hand-finishing methods.

V

Vogel Design

Furniture designer John Vogel, who trained as an architect, designs and manufactures imaginative pieces inspired by South Africa’s plants, animals and natural landscapes. His work has helped to define a distinctly South African aesthetic.

W

willowlamp

Started by Adam Hoets and Sian Eliot, this studio designs and makes grand chandeliers using a patented method of attaching ball-chain to laser-cut steel frames. Adam is now the sole owner.

Wolf & Maiden

Wolf & Maiden offers an impassioned salute to the craftsmanship of old combined with a design ethos embedded firmly in the future. It’s fine handcrafted products are made from sustainable natural materials of the highest quality.

X

Xandre Kriel

This photographer and furniture designer’s creations have a sculptural feel, and sit comfortably in that space where design and art meet.

Z

Zana

A mother and daughter duo, Sue and Robyn Britz, are behind this studio that creates fun, quirky pieces ranging from furniture to printed cushion covers.

The post Local Designer Guide appeared first on Visi.

The interior of The Course, a new restaurant and bar at SLOW in the City near Sandton Gautrain Station, is proof of the value a top design team can bring to a new venue.

SLOW in the City, a stylish lounge and workspace diagonally opposite Sandton Gautrain Station, has long provided a quiet haven to commuters who are SLOW members. Now, it features a new restaurant and bar, The Course, which is open to the public. Tonic Design, which was responsible for the interior design of the original SLOW Lounges and SLOW in the City, has created an elegant, modern take on a French brasserie.

It’s open all day – from breakfast to cocktails and dinner – so it needed the kind of style and appeal that could effortlessly make the transition from morning to evening. Phillipe van der Merwe of Tonic Design says he wanted the interior design of the restaurant to both complement the existing interiors of SLOW in the City and differentiate it as a new destination.

Rather than replicating French decor to achieve the effect, he took his inspiration from the proportions and finishes of classic Parisian design. “So it has the richness and overall feel of a more traditional Parisian space, but in its actual detailing it is more contemporary,” he says.

While extending the original palette and the strong base of neutrals they carried over from SLOW – oak flooring and steel elements – Phillipe softened the new space with a warm palette of green, deep rust and ochre yellows. “I really wanted it to be warm and inviting,” he says. “There’s quite a lot of emphasis on beautiful materials.”

The interior glows and twinkles invitingly from a distance when viewed from the street or passing by in a car, and it lives up to its promise once you’re inside with a rich tactile experience.

The materials are of the best quality – marble tabletops, velvet cushions, upholstery in leather and chenille. “We’ve also laid down botanical prints,” says Phillipe. The furniture and lighting, including GUBI bar stools and lights from Denmark, is understatedly beautiful.

As Sandton sprouts more and more monolithic buildings with ever shinier facades, it’s nice to know there is a new pocket of style and comfort to add warmth to this business district.

Find out more at slow.co.za.

The post Cool Spaces: The Course appeared first on Visi.

Not all sweat is created equal and when it comes to luxury fitness centres, the Alice Lane Health Club in Sandton sets a precedent for premium exclusivity and elevates exercise to a futuristic lifestyle. 

A portly man stands in the Alice Lane Health Club reception area with his membership card held high, announcing: “We are the Melrose Arch refugees, please let us in.” A woman who looks like a VH1 Mob Wives cast member giggles behind him while her designer bag jiggles on her arm. 

This is the 108th club to be opened in South Africa under Sir Richard Branson’s chain and only the third, since the original Melrose Arch Club, to be given “Classic Collection” status. No mean feat considering the Alice Lane Health Club cost R150 million to build, drawing on the services of Paragon Architects, Design Line Architecture & Interiors, Tonic Design and Paul Pamboukian Lighting Design.

In terms of equipment, the training floor is populated with cutting-edge gear: a Queenax functional frame, a sort of adult jungle gym; the latest, slickest Artis range of Technogym treadmills; and Wattbikes and Myride technology, offering a virtual experience of some of the world’s best routes. 

The Aqua Lounge, an impressive Jacuzzi area, is fitted with understated aqua loungers that look “like sculptures you can lie on,” says Dawid Rabie of Design Line. Other novelties include an Anti-Gravity Yoga studio and an open-air rooftop training area. 

But that’s not all… there’s a boardroom for exclusive use by members, Kohu restaurant, Brew Bar that serves specialist coffee, a shoeshine bar, concierge service, a nook and poolside lounge. It is the warm flattering lighting – designed by Pamboukian Lighting – throughout that emphasises the double-storey building’s spacious linear volume.

“The round fittings on the lights were done locally,” explains Paul Pamboukian. “The idea was to create as much flexibility as possible compared to normal light. In the yoga section, LED lights throughout are programmable to alter the mood. There’s also a red LED strip in the handrail that lights up the staircase.”

This red Caesarstone staircase, the brainchild of Lizl van Wyk and an all-female team from Design Line, is an iconic piece of the club. It’s also a “Virgin moment” – like the ice cream on Virgin Atlantic flights. Another Virgin moment is having “His” and “Hers” emblazoned on the dressing-room doors. “‘Male’ and ‘Female’ are overused terms and it’s what everyone else would do,” proclaims Richard Lamb-Hughes, brand director of Virgin Active South Africa. “Now, we own ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ for our Classic Collection and, in turn, all the Virgin signature spaces that we designed for this Club.”

The dressing rooms are decked out with Duravit toilets, Axor Hansgrohe basins, and Wisteria Lane liquid soap and body lotion – all of which ooze subtle sophistication, as well as a steamroom and sauna. The “Hers” section is fitted with mirrors framed by bulbs to give a Hollywood feel. “We had these mirrors specially made, which was hellishly nightmarish because they emit three sources of light!” exclaims Philippe van der Merwe of Tonic Design. “But it feels more glamorous and not at all like you’re in a gym bathroom. It was a conscious decision to bring that in.” 

The shoeshine bar was another deliberate effort, says Philippe: “The Melrose Arch Club has a guy polishing shoes and we were asked to reinvent that image of someone sitting in a throne-like chair, because it felt outdated. So we decided it should be a bar.” As well as the custom-made red chairs in the lounge, he continues, “We wanted a signature chair with red to be in it, because it’s Virgin’s identity, but we also looked at complementary colouring and it all worked out.”

“The club has upped its food game,” Philippe adds. “You can have a full dinner here – which is especially good for single people.” So it’s a good place to get a date? “I’m not saying that,” he laughs, “I’m married.” 

The clientele at the Alice Lane Health Club includes silver-haired men, women who wear Chanel sunglasses to train on the rooftop and young Gail Mabalane clones. 

Summer will probably see more of the members gravitating to the rooftop that, like the rest of the building, is in line with green building standards. “The team spent 18 months working on this. It’s such a pleasure to watch the sunrise from the treadmill,” beams Richard. “You can see Sandton’s CBD.” 

Back inside, a friendly receptionist lets the “refugees” in. She confirms that the Club has around 300 founding members and although it could easily accommodate 9 000 clients, the plan is to keep the membership at 4 000. “Obviously, its major pull is its exclusivity,” Richard quips. And even with membership fees of R1 600 per month – with discounts depending on private medical-aid schemes –  “sales are going very, very well.”   

 For more information visit virginactive.co.za.

The post Alice Lane Health Club appeared first on Visi.

The 58 sqm spot was designed and detailed by co-owner Anthony Keyworth in collaboration with Tonic Design. The interior features colours and shapes inspired by 1980s postmodernism juxtaposed with knackered and exposed brickwork and wood paneling – we love the unusual combination of dusty turqoise with salmon pink. 

Recognised for its careful curation, the essentialist design approach creates a striking backdrop to the cult street fashion items it stocks. Brands include Comme des Garçons PLAY, APC, Laurel Wreath by Fred Perry, Sixpack France and Staple, plus limited edition footwear from Nike, Adidas and Puma.

Loom also offers a selection of accessories including Italian sunglasses by SUPER, Lego-themed notebooks by Moleskine, Denim Wash and Denim Refresh products by Mr Black Garment Essentials, watches by Nixon and Autodromo, Pantone iPhone and iPad cases, limited edition “DRUGS” coffee mugs by American graphic artist Struggle Inc in collaboration with Sixpack France, and fragrances by Comme des Garçons Parfume, Let’er Buck and Six Scents.

Anthony explains: “Loom’s collections speak to discerning men who are in search for mature and sophisticated post-youth fashion, which is subtly influenced by streetwear.” Anthony and his wife Anne are also responsible for bringing Paul Smith to South Africa (see the shop here).

137 Bree Street, Cape Town, 021 424 3899
Shop 22, corner of Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 011 447 4330
www.loomshop.co.za

Read more VISI articles about Loom.

The post Loom in CT appeared first on Visi.

VISI hasn’t spoken to our good friends Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe of Tonic in a while, so we sent Nechama Brodie around for a catch up.

“There’s a perception that we have a furniture shop and decorate clients’ homes,” says Philippe van der Merwe who, together with partner Greg Gamble, runs design business Tonic.   

“We provide full interior-architectural solutions,” explains Greg: technical solutions realised with a contemporary aesthetic, one that is as easily applied to projects as it is to products. 

Working spaces

The Tonic showroom (at 3 Desmond Road, Kramerville) is where they show select items from a “growing body of Tonic-designed furniture” (new batches come in every few months; Tonic doesn’t “keep all of our design on the floor at the same time”), and niche European brands for which the firm has the local agency including Knoll, ClassiCon, Gubi, Artek and Andreu World.  

“We don’t just fill the showroom with stock,” says Philippe. 

“Even in our showroom,” adds Greg, “we will show a body of work by contemporary artists.” Which means you’re equally likely to leave the space coveting a Jieldé light as you are a Paul Edmunds linocut. 

The Tonic studio, in Parktown North, provides a base for the company’s project designs (or that might be design projects), which extend from residential homes to small corporate, retail and hospitality spaces. 

Some of their best-known public projects include the game-changing SLOW lounges and Sandton’s SLOW in the city. 

“For us, [SLOW] was such a successful project because the client enabled us to be creative – and we saw how much value that added to the space,” says Philippe. 

Tonic have also recently completed the new presidential departures and arrivals lounge at Waterkloof Airbase, where heads of state fly in and out from.  

Tonic looks like…

“We need a new payoff line,” says Greg, when I asked what defines the Tonic “aesthetic”. 

“We cannot use words like ‘bespoke’ and ‘curated’,” Philippe says, “they’re annoying when you apply them to yourself.” 

Philippe suggests that what defines part of Tonic’s work is a “contemporary aesthetic, but one that is quite traditionally crafted.”

“We like working with interesting materials,” adds Greg, “either new materials, or old materials that aren’t being used in a contemporary way. We’re quite limited with manufacturing and technological capacity here [in South Africa], which is why we decided to really push the good craftsmen we have.” 

“It’s also about trying to sustain that [craftsmanship], because it’s disappearing,” says Philippe. “We want to hold on to those traditions.” 

Mixed methods

Philippe and Greg are currently working on a new batch of products – which they hope to launch in August or September. 

“We generate a lot of ideas – a lot of sketches,” says Philippe, “and then edit out.”

“We’re not looking for high-concept pieces,” says Greg. 

“It’s still a sofa, still an armchair, still a table… but we always try to shift something,” Philippe explains. 

Greg says his current inspirations are a mix up of “post-modernism, the Eighties, Memphis…” (So on trend with Li Edelkoort!)

“I like Memphis,” agrees Philippe, “but Memphis mixed up with Arts and Crafts. Weird opposites.”

“And Shakers,” says Greg. 

“How do the Shakers fit in?” I ask.

Greg smiles.  

“You’ll have to wait and see.”  

3 Desmond Road, Kramerville, 011 262 4513, tonicdesign.co.za

The post Two-man play appeared first on Visi.