We were thrilled to be involved in the renovation and interior design of this landmark building in the edgy and cosmopolitan Rivertown neighbourhood in Durban city for the launch of a new hostel.

The building itself is set around a breezy courtyard; we wanted this space to feel like the heart of the hostel, with comfortable seating, tropical plants and the heritage of red face brick. 

Private rooms and communal lounges spill out onto balconies overlooking the vibrant streets below or within over the courtyard. We sought to offset the busyness of the hostel with light and airy spaces, white linens, slender furniture and muted accent colours.

Durban is a sub-tropical city with rich, diverse cultures. We wanted the Colonial style building, with its high ceilings and moulded architectural details, to be complemented by the vernacular of the city, which is in many respects all things to all people with its Zulu heritage, laidback surf lifestyle and all the aspects of a modern cosmopolitan port city. Traditional wicker mats, cane armchairs, rope hangers dripping ferns – giving guests, at a glance, a sense of the truth of the place.