16. basic instincts For this furniture designer, the ­ rinciple p of less is more and a precise vision have r ­ esulted in a home that is equal parts­ comfort, functionality and aesthetics Considered by many to be one of South Africa’s most significant furniture designers, Haldane Martin produces pieces that are informed by local tradition, infused with emotion, but realised in a thoroughly contemporary and original way. That same design philosophy manifests itself in the spaces he chooses to live in and work from. His studio-cum- is situated in a former church. Drawn to its lofty volumes, natural light and serene spiritual character, he was fortunate enough to have found the same qualities – albeit on a smaller scale – in his showroom, in the vibrantly gritty suburb of Observatory that borders the city of Cape Town, current home, just a quick bicycle ride away. With a Victorian provenance, the structure has undergone a basic but effective makeover that makes it feel ­ horoughly t up to date. Though not consciously minimalist, there is something monastic in its decorative simplicity and compact, apartment-like spatial proportions. Colourless walls in barely there grey and glossy white-painted floors serve to amplify the building’s original ­ ttributes: an abundance of natural light that a pours through the tall vertical sash windows and extraordinarily high ­ eilings. Though this muted backdrop sets a c tranquil scene, Haldane’s modern leanings and experimental ­ pproach is ­ trongly evident in the form of a series of a s boldly painted feature walls. Part ode to Dutch ­ rtist Piet Mondrian and the Bauhaus movement, a partly to demarcate the various spaces, and partly just for fun, these bright blocks also reveal Haldane’s intrinsic understanding of the emotional properties of colour. Cerulean blue suffuses the bedroom in a meditative calm; crisp green in the kitchen signals harmony, freshness and environmental awareness; and sunshine ­ ellow in the guest bedroom radiates ­ riendliness and ­ rea­­ y f c tivity. ­ the light here seems to reverberate, making this as much a home as it is a contemplative sanctuary

Within the classical Victorian con­­­­ struc­ ion, plenty t of local flavour abounds. Furniture is mostly of ­ aldane’s own design, each piece bearing a H n ­ arrative instantly familiar to South Africans. The ethereally beautiful Fiela Feather Lights made of ostrich plumes pay homage to the classic South African novel Fiela’s se Kind. The sofa in the ­ iving l room is from his Riempie collection, inspired by early Cape Dutch furniture. There are Haldane’s now iconic Zulu Mama chairs that reference indigenous Zulu weaving techniques but use recycled plastic. And a modular, geo­ etric coffee m...

equal parts comfort, functionality and serenity