Phillip Wyatt of Inhouse Design Studio Elevates the Traveller’s Experience with the New O.R. Tambo Airport Lounge
Designing luxury spaces for the general consumer is no easy feat. When you add the stress and bustle of travelling into the brief, luxury has to be elevated to a level that comforts, reassures, and indulges guests. Phillip Wyatt, a distinguished project director at Inhouse’s sister company IHBAZA, has taken it upon himself to find out exactly what it takes to curate a luxurious space in one of the most stressful environments in society.
Respite before the flight
O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg hosts more than 22 million passengers per year. It goes without saying that a place with this volume of visitors welcomes the opportunity for reprieve. Always pushing to offer the most luxurious spaces, a collaboration between Discovery and South African Airways (SAA) was launched, with Wyatt at the helm of the new design of The Lounge. “When you add the stress and bustle of travelling into the brief, luxury has to be elevated to a level that comforts, reassures, and indulges guests.”
Understanding travellers’ needs
The renewed space is divided into two main sections: the Platinum Lounge and the Premium Lounge. Both areas reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of travellers’ needs. Under Wyatt’s direction, the design incorporates intelligent, sophisticated lighting systems that adapt to the time of day, ensuring optimal ambience for guests. Upon entering, guests are greeted by custom copper-clad concierge pods, while integrated technology throughout the lounges keeps travellers connected, and various thoughtfully designed spaces cater to different preferences. These include focus booths for concentration, private suites for added comfort, quiet zones for relaxation, meeting rooms equipped for business needs, and open-plan seating areas for social interaction.
A new benchmark for airport lounges
The Lounge offers upgraded comforts that further rejuvenate the body. Guests can enjoy a five-star coffee experience with newly-imported La Marzocco coffee machines, healthy dining options, and a curated selection of cocktails and mocktails crafted to stimulate the senses. These elements combine to create an experience that offers functional luxury, setting a new benchmark for airport lounges locally and internationally.
Wyatt’s leadership and creative vision ensured that every aspect of The Lounge embodied Afro-centric luxury and innovation. The copper-clad concierge pods, mood-setting smart lighting, and aeronautical inspired elements reflect a deep commitment to excellence and traveller satisfaction. The result is a groundbreaking project that elevates the travel experience. The Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern travellers, leaving a lasting impression on all who pass through its doors.
Aspects of luxury that stay the same
Timeless, high-quality design | A sense of exclusivity and rarity | Impeccable attention to detail
Staying ahead of the trends
What’s in: Minimalist designs, natural tones, and biophilic elements like greenery and light
What’s out: Overly flashy, impractical designs and anything lacking sustainability
This article is an extract from our February issue. Read the full issue here.
