Treven Moodley and Lange Mnguni Pull Back the Curtain on Their Umhlanga Creation That’s Turning Beauty Culture into Sacred Ceremony
Treven Moodley and Lange Mnguni, the principal architects behind TMD Design Studios, have embarked on a journey to merge Durban’s dynamic spirit with its rich cultural heritage through the design of Indoni Beauty Salon. Drawing inspiration from Indoni Yamanzi— a Zulu phrase meaning ‘berry of the waters’, symbolising a young woman’s coming of age — the duo has crafted a space where tradition meets contemporary elegance. In this thought-provoking exploration, they reflect on how every design detail serves as a tribute to the city’s soul, creating a sanctuary that empowers and uplifts, leaving clients with a deeper connection to their heritage.
A city’s consideration
The design journey of the Indoni Beauty Salon began with a deep dive into the cultural landscape of Durban, exploring the city’s rich tapestry of Zulu heritage and contemporary aesthetics. We wanted to create a space expressing Durban’s unique spirit, a space that would resonate. The site itself presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Located in the heart of Umhlanga, the space offered high visibility yet required careful consideration of the existing building fabric and context. We envisioned something visually striking, while also seamlessly integrating the vibrant energy of the surrounding neighbourhood
Ripple effect
The entrance to Indoni Beauty is a bold statement, a literal and figurative gateway to transformation. Visitors are greeted by a striking water ripple design, with the salon’s logo at its centre, drawing them into the space. The angled, stepped dome, clad in a stippled stucco finish, echoes the cleansing ripple of water, a central metaphor of Indoni Yamanzi. The sculptural feature is crafted with precision, using drywall and plasterwork to create a dynamic play of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day. It’s a visual cue to the journey of self-discovery and transformation that the salon promises and is physically felt upon arrival.
The spirit of place
The reception area, designed as a microcosm of the overall experience, embodies the spirit of place. The distinctive reception desk, crafted from locally sourced oak veneer, evokes the image of a tree stump anchoring the space in grounded elegance. The warm tones of the oak are complemented by the cool, luxurious veining of the marble countertop, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. The reinterpretation of the traditional Zulu crown motif is a key element in the salon’s design language. This iconic symbol of womanhood has been deconstructed and reimagined throughout the space.
A collection of opulent spaces, the salon is a carefully orchestrated sequence of experiences. The play of light and shadow, curated selection of music, and subtle fragrance of light wood create a multi-sensory experience which elicits an authentic emotional response. The use of plush textures and the carefully considered material palette – warm woods, cool marble, and textured plaster – invites touch, interest, and curiosity.
Lighting the way
Lighting was a critical design element, inspired by Louis Kahn’s focus on how light shapes space. In the reception area, the angled dome acts as a canvas for dramatic light play, with strategically placed spotlights casting shifting shadows. This dance of light and dark creates an air of mystery, inviting exploration. As visitors move through thespace, lighting shifts to reflect different moods: soft lighting in the treatment rooms creates intimacy and calm, while the hair salon area is illuminated with warmer tones.
Every detail of Indoni Beauty has been thoughtfully coordinated to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. The tactile materials, dynamic lighting, and carefully curated sensory elements invite visitors to not only see but feel the space. The salon doesn’t just nod towards its context; it embodies the city’s spirit — rich, welcoming, and full of possibility.
This article is an extract from our February issue. Read the full issue here.
