Craft of Architecture

Craft of Architecture is a group of designers who value the creative process above all else. We are professionals, integrating our skills, knowledge and experience to bring our client’s ideas to life.

Our proposal for multi-family development in the award-winning Zimbali Estate. The subtropical climate allows for a very pleasant indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Poolside living, protected courtyards, lush vegetation, large openings, and covered spaces have become a common denominator in the design. Project team: Byron Tenant and Chris Laird.

Link: https://luxezimbali.co.za/

With a career spanning 25 years, Ian has played an integral role in the design, production and management of numerous award-winning projects. His global experience includes having lived and worked as an architect in London, the Caribbean, San Francisco and the Middle East before ultimately settling in Cape Town with his wife and four children.

John believes that in order to create an authentic design, one has to listen to people’s needs. John’s strength lies in interpreting design briefs in unexpected, ground-breaking ways, taking care to always consider the functional workings of buildings as well as site context and surroundings.

Architecture must be specific to where it is and who it’s for. It is the melding of these considerations with a continual exploration of materials and space that excites John in his work. Prior to co-founding COA, he gained extensive experience in both residential and large-scale commercial projects, working throughout Southern Africa and the Middle East.

Rimaal Village is a stunning lifestyle project that's designed for a later-living community. It features an array of amenities, including a SPA and wellness centre, and gym. The project revolves around people and the four pillars of Avida: Community, Living, Wellness & Wealth.

Learn more about Craft of Architecture’s unique portfolio - SIBA

SIBA - The Restaurant is located at the Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront. Craft of Architecturein collaboration with Mobius had the opportunity to work with the inspirational celebrity chef, Siba Mtongana on this iconic space for her unique 5-star dining experience. The project entailed renovations to the existing restaurant, additions and alterations to the outdoor terrace area, and finally interior architecture and design in collaboration with Mobius.

Photography by Inge Prins
https://www.coasite.com/projects/siba-restaurant/

Imagine walking through COA’s space, where each corner turned led to a new discovery. Here, a discussion on sustainable materials and their role in future constructions; there, a deep dive into the complexities of urban planning in growing cities. In one room, the intricate models of private home collections reflected personalised luxury and innovation; in another, the blueprints of commercial and mixed-use spaces highlighted the multifaceted nature of communal living.

https://www.coasite.com/craft-of-architecture-open-studios/

As we move towards experiential retail, the key lies in creating environments that cater to our desires for vitality. By blending physical and digital realms, designers can create comprehensive experiences that go beyond mere transactions, cultivating long-lasting relationships with customers.

Learn more here: https://www.coasite.com/the-future-of-retail/

Site progress at Oasis Life Constantia. This project re-imagines retirement, providing luxurious homes in the suburb of Constantia, with its lush green natural beauty. This premium lifestyle estate allows residents to lead the carefree lifestyle retirement of their dreams. Taking a unique approach, we developed the design to offer a hospitality-based, resort-style experience in a secure and engaging environment.

Learn more here: https://www.coasite.com/projects/herzlia-retirement-estate/

Michal Korycki on our partnership with expert Interior Architecture firm, Mobius Studios:

We have a long history and understanding of working with each other… to play to each other’s strengths. The Craft of Architecture and Mobius Partnership is strengthened and balanced by Victoria Wood, with her eye for detailing and meticulous follow through.

Serrano Seaton straddles some of the most spectacular coastline on the north coast of
KwaZulu-Natal. Craft of Architecture has designed this this development with a sensitivity to preserve and enhance the natural environment and a focus on a harmonious relationships between residents to create an architectural language that is driven by the unique opportunities that each site presents.

Learn more about Craft of Architecture’s unique portfolio - One & Only Montenegro

Montenegro One & Only Waterfront Villas, were a series luxury villas designed within the One and Only Resort in Portonovi, an idyllic Mediterranean-style village set amid the wild beauty of Montenegro’s Boka Bay.

The Villa’s architecture is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional aesthetic and materials typical to the region. The design architecture focused on passive design principles to deal with the harsh winters, prevailing mistral winds and hot summers. The villa’s dual aspect allows residents to enjoy the dramatic view of the bay of Kotor while simultaneously being able to open up to the wind free central courtyard

Site progress at Oasis Life Constantia. This project re-imagines retirement, providing luxurious homes in the spectacular suburb of Constantia, with its lush green natural beauty. This premium lifestyle estate allows residents to lead the carefree lifestyle retirement of their dreams. Taking a unique approach, we developed the design to offer a hospitality-based, resort-style experience in a secure and engaging environment.

Learn more here: https://www.coasite.com/projects/herzlia-retirement-estate/

What sets us apart is our commitment to personal involvement at the partner level throughout every project. This hands on approach guarantees a bespoke and tailored solution for each client, reflecting our dedication to your unique vision. We carefully consider your specific needs for the project. With decades of experience we have solutions for the typical challenges these projects might face.

Craft Of Architecture has a robust investment philosophy; borne out of the exceptional calibre of staff we employ and the best-in-class systems in place. Our complement of 40+ employee-to-system hubs consistently generate approximately 2 terabytes of design data per annum.

Ushering in an era of infinite imagination, retail is undergoing a rapid transformation. The shopping experience is evolving at a lightning pace, fueled by the ability to influence consumer psychology and subsequently the industry as we know it. Gone are the days when going to the mall was the only way to indulge in retail therapy.

See the full story here: https://www.coasite.com/the-future-of-retail/

Rimaal Village, UAE. From the master planning principles to the internal details, all were meticulously planned by Craft of Architecture. The master plan has been designed to create a sense of community through the creation of various neighbourhoods and clusters that facilitate interaction and socialisation among the residents. With the Village Center in the middle and an extensive system of both open and covered pathways interconnects every aspect of the area, providing easy and convenient access to all its parts.

The symbolism depicted here arose from our Rimaal Village project in the UAE. Sun, Wind, Sand, and Sea all depicted as enduring forces omnipresent in the UAE region. The design of the Rimaal Village takes inspiration from these elements and how the local people have historically learnt to adapt and live in this region. For example, “Al Sadu” is a traditional weaving craft, passed down the generations over time, which is aimed at creating shade structures to protect against the harsh Sun. Furthermore, the rolling dunes of the desert inspired the seamless and natural architectural design of the Rimaal Village.

Learn more about Craft of Architecture’s exquisite portfolio - Commercial & Mixed Use

Diversity in experience allows us to hone our craft. As specialists in hospitality architecture, we’ve come a long way to get to this point. With 16 years experience in commercial and mixed use developments, working with the best in the market, we have developed a valuable database of designs and a strong market know how.

Take a look at Tinley Manor, Club Med. The hotel and lodge features a conference centre, club med spa, gourmet restaurant, adult pool, sports facilities and kids clubs. Furthermore, the Tatali Precinct at Zimbali Lakes is comprised of ten independent sites designed to work as one total site area and includes hotel, residential, retail and offices. Umhlanga Arch is a R1.3 Billion development conisting of a car dealership, apartments, lofts, a retail area with food and beverage offerings, as well as office

https://www.coasite.com/projects/tinley-manor/

Bahrain Financial Harbour is a waterfront commercial development, costing $1.5 billion and covering an area of 380,000 sq.m. The Financial Harbour Towers is intended to act as an entrance into Manama and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The directors of Craft of Architecture also led in the conceptual design of the Bahrain Performance Center, The Diamond Tower, The Dhow Harbour, and Harbour Row
Residential Apartments.

https://www.coasite.com

When the sun dips below the horizon in Cape Town, a different kind of light – the creative spark – continues to thrive in the heart of the city. This is especially true during the Open Studios event, an annual celebration where the visionary architects of tomorrow welcome you into their creative sanctum.

https://www.coasite.com/craft-of-architecture-open-studios/

We’ve had the privilege of working with people from some of the most beautiful parts of the world. Here are some words from a happy client for our project off the coast of Mozambique.

Jack Truter - “We have been very happy to work with Craft of Architecture on a number of resort projects in the last years - most recently our Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, design and the Banyan tree Ilha Nejovo design. Our projects have always been in difficult remote locations with a lot challenges and very high standards. They have delivered all stages of design from concept to post development for us …

COA, have always been able to help us craft and meet the challenges in the most inspiring, creative and enjoyable fashion. Thy have excellent dept of skill and are able to deliver custom drawing and design solutions for entirely unique constructions in all kinds of material and at a standard that satisfies the most difficult requirements and tight budgets.

Their teams have been consistent, professional and great to work with, and I will be doing my best to keep working with COa on my next resort projects … we have another two islands that will be in their pipeline soon !!“

Learn more about this tropical retreat here: https://www.coasite.com/projects/suluwilo-villa-single-residential/

We have extensive experience working on large-scale projects in both the Middle East and Africa. Our projects range from larger-than-life commercial developments in the Middle East, all the way through to sustainable island retreats, with a gentle eco footprint, just off the coast of Africa.

Learn more here: https://www.coasite.com/projects/rimaal-village/

Learn more about Craft of Architecture’s exquisite portfolio - Private Home Collection

Diversity in experience allows us to hone our craft. As specialists in hospitality architecture, we’ve come a long way to get to this point. One of our many areas of expertise is creating custom tailored homes for clients - from island villas to mountain side retreats.

Learn more about this collection: https://www.coasite.com/private-home-collection/

Here, hospitality meets innovation. We bring an award-winning architectural design experience to the leisure industry in Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Combining a global outlook with personal involvement, we specialise in hotel, leisure, and hospitality design. Here’s a bird’s-eye-view of some of our large-scale work in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman.

Learn more here: https://www.coasite.com/projects/rimaal-village/

We’re renowned for our creative approach to truly unique projects, and we to capture this essence in our daily lives at the studio. In all our work, we strive for environmental harmony, cultural respect, and innovative design. Our diverse team is one the primary ways we can bring these visions to life, achieving our goals as a brand and in bringing our clients’ visions to life.