Page 43 - Designing Ways 247

Bilala Mabuza
Cocoon Lifestyle

One of the first things you’ll notice locally, even if the material is sourced
when you walk into the City Centre overseas. This ethos is as much about
apartment designed by Bilala Mabuza of creating jobs within the local community
Cocoon Lifestyle is the magnificent art. as it is about honouring the African
Bilala immediately recognised the space’s aesthetic – important, because Bilala
potential as a showcase, and leveraged her is clear that although her design holds
long-standing partnership with ArtEye appeal for a global citizen, she has held
Gallery to source spaces that would do it true to the principles of texture that
justice. This is how magnificent pieces by resonate with the African spirit. This
the likes of Thokozani Mthiyane, Lionel explains her use of texture in, for example,
Murcott and Michelle Silk have come to wallpaper and raw, untreated pieces.
be a focal point in the apartment. The final design takes into account not
Bilala is not only committed to only the outdoor-oriented lifestyle that is
promoting local artists; she is equally so integral to Steyn City, but also the need
passionate about South African designers. for homes in the post-lockdown world to
She insists that pieces are manufactured offer versatile spaces.

Buzwe Mabuza

Design Dreams International

Guided by his sense of a global resident to this project; making extensive use of
who wants to feel a seamless connection white to offset the space and deliberately
whether living in New York, working in choosing a more conservative approach
South Africa or playing in London, Buzwe that nonetheless offsets geometrics and
Mabuza of Design Dreams International textures for interest.
sought to optimise and play with space in Buzwe’s delight at being asked to design
his City Centre apartment. an apartment in what he considers one
A self-confessed ‘carnival circus of the country’s prime developments
designer’ who relishes playing with colour, shows in his use of an aesthetic that holds
pattern and texture, Buzwe says that he universal appeal.
changed tactics completely when it came

dw • Issue 247 43