Architect and Builder Mar/Apr 2023 | Page 61

THULA WALL : READY TO INSTALL WOOD SLAT PANEL
Sleek wall paneling is a beautiful addition to any space , however the application of paneling can be tedious . The end result is beautiful and worth it but installing slat by slat takes time and leaves room for imperfection .
The founders of Thula Wall , the husband and wife team of Rowan and Roxy Snyman , experienced this first hand in their own home . When researching more straightforward ways to get this sophisticated , impactful look in a way that was quick to install and cost-effective , they came across a ready-to-install panel in Europe .
After searching for a South African version with no success , they sourced the materials locally , built the first one in their garage , and transformed their lounge space instantly .
After making an impact in their own space , they realised that many people , architects , decorators , and businesses likely felt the same frustration and so the company was born .
Thula Wall has readyto-install wood slat panels available in various finishes and sizes to suit the DIY enthusiast as well as corporate clients .
Based in Fourways Johannesburg , Thula Wall delivers
panels of all shapes , sizes , colours and finishes to hundreds of clients nationwide .
The name ‘ Thula Wall ’ was selected because the backing that holds the slats in place is an acoustic felt . This acoustic felt is made from recycled plastic , making the panels eco-friendly , sound-absorbing , and beautiful .
“ Seeing our panels used as headboards , ceiling , and wall features , in offices and homes alike , brings us so much joy . We love helping our customers transform their spaces ,” said Rowan and Roxy .
Thula Wall plans to keep growing its offering of ready-toinstall features that are easy to work with , easy on the eyes , and improve the acoustics of a space . www . thulawall . co . za
NEW DESIGN STUDIO OPENS
twenty2degrees Design Partnership , the international hospitality interior design practice founded in London a decade ago , has announced the opening of a new studio in Johannesburg . This follows on from the firm ’ s expanding portfolio of projects in sub-saharan Africa which currently includes a new Hyatt Regency and a Hyatt House Hyatt Place , both in Nairobi , along with a new luxury hotel complex in Cameroon .
Nick Stoupas , Founder & Managing Director of twenty2degrees , says , “ We see this investment as demonstrating our commitment to the African continent . For now , we will be continuing to lead our work in Africa from our London studio but our team on the ground in Jo ’ burg will be well placed to handle ongoing project development , monitor progress on site and open-up local sources of supply .”
About twenty2degrees was founded in 2012 by Nicholas Stoupas . A year later , he was joined by Joe Stella and since then the duo has steered the firm into an award-winning hospitality design practice .
Current and recent projects include : The Dixon and Hyatt Regency Olympia , both in London ; JW Marriott Berlin ; The Fellows House in Cambridge , part of the Curio Collection by Hilton ; Marriott hotels in Budapest , Brussels and Prague ; Intercontinental Lisbon ; Hilton hotels in Cascais and London ; and The Wyndham Grand Algarve .
The new studio is located in the heart of the Kramerville design-centric district of Johannesburg . www . twenty2degrees . com
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