The Peech Boutique Hotel Expands

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Dook

The Peech Boutique Hotel in Melrose, Johannesburg, has recently doubled in size, with its pavilion-like rooms aiming to mirror the city’s unique context: The City of Gold is both a mega-city and the world’s largest man-made forest.

Designed by Catherine de Souza and Guy Trangos of Meshworks Architecture + Urbanism, together with interior designers Aparna Ramani and Taryn Kallie of Design Republic, the expansion is a long-time vision of owner James Peech. Expanding onto the neighbouring property, the renowned hotel now offers an additional 16 luxury suites, upping its offering to 32 eco-chic rooms.

Originally a 1950s heritage home with just six rooms available in 2004, The Peech Boutique Hotel is now renowned for its luxurious, eco-conscious style that celebrates its forest-like surrounds. The rooms have been constructed from materials inspired by the oldest and largest trees on site, with fitted steel and Oak features created by local furniture manufacturing company Stripped and flooring by Oggie Hardwood Flooring. In a dance of harmonious juxtaposition, soft timber contrasts hard steel mesh. Open staircases deliver guests into a canopy of green that affords striking views of the luscious garden below. Landscaper Deirdre Causton of Inspirations Garden Design was responsible for the green treatment.

Wrap-around balconies with steel mesh give the hotel an urban-village feel, while the play of layers, light, materials and shadows create a rhythm that expresses The Peech’s brand aesthetic throughout.

Mesh facades act as organic screens that establish important bubbles of privacy, affording guests an ambience that is part connected and part secluded. Through smart layering, balconies become private, luscious courtyards that open up onto bedrooms – perfect for balmy South African summers.

For more information, visit thepeech.co.za.