WEYLANDTS, SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT
The Sibaya Coastal Precinct continues to attract leading national and global brands, with Weylandts confirming its decision to develop a flagship showroom within the rapidly expanding coastal node. The showroom, which will form part of the precinct’ s next phase of commercial development, represents another significant step in Sibaya’ s evolution into a design-led, mixed-use destination.
For Devmco Group, the visionaries behind Sibaya’ s integrated live-work-play environment, the commitment from one of South Africa’ s most respected furniture and homeware brands reflects growing national confidence in the precinct’ s long-term trajectory. Working alongside leading architectural firm Craft of Architecture( COA), whose design expertise has been instrumental in shaping the precinct’ s architectural identity, Devmco continues to curate a cohesive and forward-thinking commercial environment.
Founded in dialogue with nature, the planned Weylandts showroom has been conceptualised by StudioLandt as a space designed in conversation with its environment. Rather than competing with
KwaZulu-Natal’ s lush and vibrant coastal landscape, the architecture is envisioned as a counterpoint, offering a place to breathe, journey with and arrive.
Inspired by the textures, tones and rhythms of the surrounding region, locally abundant materials such as granite, basalt, concrete, sand, sea and sugarcane are set to be reinterpreted within the structure. These elements celebrate the elemental beauty of the land while reinforcing Weylandts’ long-standing commitment to material authenticity and craftsmanship.
Drawing on pavilion design principles and global case studies, the multi-level showroom is planned to invite exploration from multiple vantage points. Visitors will be guided through layered environments that gradually reveal craft, hue and design through immersive encounters.
The entrance will serve as a transitional threshold, offering respite from the dense coastal humidity and allowing visitors to recalibrate before progressing into the showroom journey. Designed to be experienced both chronologically and reflectively, the circulation path will encourage movement forward and return along the same narrative arc, reinforcing Weylandts’ belief that design is as much about experience as it is about form.
BAYWEST MIXED-USE, GQEBERHA
Muse Architects were appointed to design a new mixed-use development adjacent to Baywest Mall in Gqeberha. Developed for Fradu Luxe, the project forms part of the continued expansion of the Baywest node, an emerging precinct characterised by a mix of retail, commercial and residential uses.
The brief called for a contemporary building with ground-floor commercial spaces and one, two and three-bedroom residential units above. A key requirement was to respond to the urban context while distinguishing between public and private realms and allowing flexibility for future tenants.
The building is organised along a strong horizontal datum, with the ground floor forming a robust base that activates the street edge through transparent shopfronts and direct access points. Above this, the residential component is articulated through recessed and projecting elements that create depth across the façade and allow individual units to retain a sense of identity. Balconies are positioned to maximise views and natural light while contributing to the rhythm of the elevation.
Materiality plays an important role in defining the architectural language. Neutral plastered surfaces, darker cladding elements and timber accents are combined to break down the scale of the building and introduce warmth to the façade. This layered approach reinforces the horizontal composition while responding to the surrounding built fabric of the Baywest precinct.
The plan allows for efficient circulation and a clear separation between residential and commercial access. Public and private routes were carefully resolved within the constraints of the irregular site, ensuring that residents benefit from dedicated entrances, secure parking and a distinct sense of privacy. On-site parking is softened through landscaping, helping the development balance functionality with a considered response to context, climate and user experience.
Project Watch 31