Project: Norwich Hall Apartment
Brief: Transform a large, outdated city apartment into a contemporary, open plan home.
Type: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment
Size: 153m2
Area: Melrose, Johannesburg

The concept was to create a modern and sophisticated apartment that would prove timeless in its execution and design. Joao and Ali set out to combine multiple textures from raw materials to high-end fabrics resulting in a layered yet visually stimulating space.
In creating an easy-living, practical yet stylish home, the duo thought first about the meaning of space, visualisation of colours, lines, materials, light and finally lifestyle choices.

The main goals:
Create a sense of flow. The layout of the apartment was changed completely by breaking down walls from the kitchen, dining room and lounge as well as eliminating passages. The result is extended rooms with better flow leading to the space feeling larger and more inviting.
Add natural light. Natural light is essential for creating a bright and airy space. This was achieved by the new open-plan layout and enhancing the existing high ceilings paired with larger glass windows and doors.
Maximise views. This apartment’s views were taken advantage of with the use of the folding panel doors, opening out onto the balcony with magnificent outlooks of the North of Johannesburg and the beautiful gardens below.
Furniture and artwork. Timeless stylish pieces were chosen that would not fall prey to current trends, creating a sense of personality and style in the apartment. Featured South African artists with international acclaim include: Andrzej Urbanski, Brett Murray, Beezy Bailey, Brett Rubin, Io Makandal and Liza Grobler.
The design embraced a mix of materials such as concrete, wood, mosaic, glass and stone. These natural materials, paired with high-end fabrics, premium locally designed furniture and luxurious rugs added a touch of opulence to the space.

Exposed structural beams were a central feature in the apartment connecting the design with the history of the original building. The addition of custom wooden slatted walls cleverly concealing entries into the bedrooms and bathroom were another stand-out feature.
With the juxtaposition of finishes and use of bold colour palettes in the artworks coupled with neutral furnishing, a visual dimension and contrast was created throughout the home. This coupled with a focus on clean, contemporary lines, softened by the curved furniture and decor created a gentle flow from one space to the next.

With so many of Johannesburg’s trendy couples going for brand new apartment builds, through collaboration, sustainability and high-end design, Joao and Ali were able to prove that transforming an existing older space proves more rewarding and often more beautiful given the patina that can only come with history.