Checking in to excellence, the shortlisted Hospitality Builds deliver unparalleled experiences without compromising on function, innovation, or attention to detail. In 2024, these are the places to be and to be seen! With iconic builds among the top that are setting the standard for sophistication, quality, and style, we applaud the shortlisted candidates for leaving us (and the Jurors!) wanting more.
Vivid Architects, for Station House: Station House sits proudly on a historically significant intersection where the dynamic energy of the Sea Point high street interfaces with the much sought-after residential address of Fresnaye. Station House pays tribute to this pivotal site and history in both name and design. Facing onto the landmark Sea Point Fire Station and the location of the old tramway link to Camps Bay, the architectural language takes cues from these in it’s simple, practical, and robust materiality that presents an elegant, timeless industrial aesthetic.
Source IBA, for Vrymansfontein: Located in Paarl in the Western Cape, Vrymansfontein reimagines the ‘South African winelands experience’, with an emphasis on embracing the site’s history in a thoroughly modern way. Vrymansfontein consists of a number of distinctive food and beverage offerings, including fine dining restaurant SCAPE, alfresco dining and bar area The Tree Bar (complete with five mature trees providing a canopy overhead) and The Tasting Bar. While each has a distinct design personality, the three function as a cohesive and contemporary whole
Source IBA, for Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate: With Vergenoegd Low Wine Estate, Source IBA set about mapping a journey of discovery and engagement that would present the property as the incredible farm that it is to a new generation of guests. The team sought to radically but respectfully elevate the farm to its former glory, never losing the focus that it is a working farm with a once-famous wine cellar. Attracting a sensitive, curious and wine-centric guest, the overarching intent was to evoke the feelings of comfort and a sense of ‘leaving it all behind’.
Luxury Frontiers, for Madwaleni River Lodge: Madwaleni River Lodge, situated in Babanango Game Reserve, is a culturally rich site that was once cattle farms. The lodge celebrates the land’s rewilding and rebirth, with 12 tented accommodation units that that offer an immersive experience into nature with a view of the White Umfolozi River. The lodge’s central gathering area spans 4895 m², housing the reception
Soda Custom, for Sonny and Irene: Celebrating cafe-style classics with a contemporary twist, Sonny and Irene brings a new kind of pizazz to Sea Point. Nestled between urban seaside and the city of Cape Town, sweet sophistication is the order of the day. Set in a perfect palette of organic greens and pops of pink and gold, finished in natural timber, marble and plush velvet with art deco accents. This space offers patrons classic with a kick, with the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
dhk Architects, for Radisson Red: The Radisson RED hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg, stands as a distinctive landmark in the new Oxford Parks precinct. Its striking façade combines stacked brickwork with glass curtain walls and vertical aluminium cladding, while the vibrant interior features bold red accents, a commissioned angel-wing sculpture, and interactive technology. Designed to be a playful yet sophisticated 222-key hotel, it includes a dynamic rooftop bar, a concept restaurant, and various public spaces, all built to high standards of thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Sketch Interior Architects, for Club Como: The project involved creating a Mediterranean beach club-inspired restaurant and bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night, providing a luxurious yet relaxed experience within a 200-square-metre space. Designed to accommodate over 100 seats with varied seating options, a full-service bar, dedicated restrooms, and a functioning kitchen, the aesthetic blends aquamarine ocean hues with earthy Tuscan terracotta shades, enhanced by brass details and raffia ceilings. Sketch led the project through all phases, from initial concept to final décor and art curation, ensuring a cohesive design inspired by Greek, Spanish, and Italian flavours.
