They say that trends are circular and that what’s old becomes new again. Built over 130 years ago, a disused wool-shed, lying vacant and unappreciated, was rediscovered by our client who fell in love with the magnitude of the space and the patina of original wooden floors. They also admired the original cast iron pillars which not only supported the building but added beauty to an otherwise industrial space.
Located in the inner city of Cape Town, this 1500 square metre, three-storeyed structure, was lovingly converted into a warm, colourful apartment and a home for their enviable collections of artworks and antiquities. Of some importance is of course an assembly of classic cars, particularly the gorgeous Porsche 911s, which are displayed in the sparkling basement floor of this grand old building.
Combining the raw industrial with the comfort of antique furnishings and the vibrancy of colour, products were meticulously selected to suit the dynamics of this very special space. Over the period of several years, unique pieces were sourced and stored until the site was prepared for them.
To carry the theatre through to the bathrooms, a dramatic freestanding chrome plated shower enclosure from Victorian Bathrooms was also included. With their ‘Modern Classic’ approach, Victorian Bathrooms was uniquely positioned to assist with the various bathroom design needs; baths to taps & mixers, basins and toilets to tiles, all perfectly suited to this eclectic yet contemporary space.
What an honour to be a part of so exceptional a project.
At the heart of the design approach was the use of rich, patterned ceramics for the vanities; vibrant surfaces that immediately draw the eye and set the tone for each bathroom. These bold vanities act as a contemporary counterpoint to more traditional fixtures like basins and sanitary ware.
To soften the visual transitions between old and new, warm wooden flooring was extended from adjoining rooms into the bathrooms, creating a sense of cohesion.
The result is a seamless integration of modern minimalism and traditional refinement.
For Natalie and her team, achieving the right balance between functionality and visual appeal was both the greatest challenge and the most rewarding. “One has to constantly prioritise the two until they work together,” Natalie explained. Counter-mounted vanities not only enhanced the aesthetic but offered a solution for efficient storage.
In the end, it’s the relationships between elements that bring the design to life: the warmth of wood against crisp porcelain, the texture of ceramic against smooth stone, the charm of a freestanding bath set against minimalist lines. The bathrooms are more than functional spaces, they are nuanced environments where every choice tells a story.
