KLEI APARTHOTEL, DEVONBOSCH, STELLENBOSCH
KLEI Aparthotel introduces a refined architectural experience to Devonbosch, a rising mixed-use precinct on the urban fringe of Stellenbosch. This development isn’ t about scale – it’ s about sensitivity to context, materiality, and landscape.
KLEI, meaning“ clay” in Dutch, sets the conceptual tone. Drawing inspiration from the region’ s soil and textures, the building embraces an earthy, tactile design language. The project integrates raw, regionally resonant materials: terracotta finishes, exposed stone, brushed concrete, and timber details that age gracefully with time.
Developed in collaboration with Elisca + Co Design Studio, each apartment follows a unified design scheme grounded in warm hues and natural textures. The furniture and finishes – mandatory for all units – are not only functional but curated to evoke a sense of place. These interiors echo the Bottelary Conservancy’ s colour palette and textures, with soft lighting, smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, and a deliberate interplay of mass and void to connect guests to the landscape.
KLEI’ s placement within Devonbosch reinforces its design intent. The precinct is a new model for lifestyle-oriented, sustainable urbanism – where nature, architecture, and community co-exist. Surrounded by mountain views and laced with walking trails, wetlands, and green corridors, Devonbosch encourages movement and engagement. Amenities like the Super Sconto Deli, Ischia Italian Restaurant and future cultural and recreational anchors – such as the School of Rock, medical precinct and sporting facilities – enhance the lived experience.
From a materials and construction standpoint, KLEI contributes to the site’ s circular ethos. The Cabrico Brick Factory, located within Devonbosch, supplies locally produced bricks, reducing transportation emissions and tying the project back to the land.
More than a hotel and more than an apartment, KLEI is a response to the
Winelands’ evolving identity: rooted in nature, mindful of heritage, and expressive of modern design. It invites visitors and residents into a space where form follows feeling, and architecture becomes a bridge between environment and experience. www. stayklei. co. za
PRINCE BUTHELEZI MALL, EMPANGENI
The project, a joint investment by Moolman Group with co-owners Twin City and Melta Capital, will deliver a state-of-theart shopping centre scheduled to open in April 2026. Moolman Group is the lead developer.
Empangeni has long been underserved by retail, with shopping activities scattered between the CBD and surrounding suburbs, with consumers currently having to travel as far as Richard’ s Bay to do their major shopping. This development responds to growing demand for a centralised shopping experience catering to the diverse local consumer base.
Strategically located at Empangeni’ s main crossroads, the mall will be a singlelevel, fully enclosed regional shopping centre of 35,000m ². The development has secured major anchor tenants including Checkers FreshX, Shoprite, Woolworths, Boxer, Dis-Chem, and Clicks.
Pierre Lahaye, partner at MDS Architecture, says that the mall’ s design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape.“ The main entrance features curved shapes echoing the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, while vertical green slats screening the entrances pay homage to the region’ s sugar cane fields. The interior and exterior colour palette incorporates the rich textures and earthy tones of local trees, creating a harmonious connection to the natural environment,” he says.
The mall will introduce several retail firsts to Empangeni, including Crazy Plastic, Crazy Pets, Converse, Dis-Chem and Polo. Fashion offerings will feature several prominent brands.
Complementing the retail experience will be banking facilities and an exciting food court, a large new taxi rank and
ample free parking. The development has prioritised using local contractors and the co-owners have committed to upgrading major roads around Prince Buthelezi Mall for improved access. The development is envisaged to creating a vibrant hub for connection and commerce.
The Prince Buthelezi Mall represents a significant investment in Empangeni’ s retail infrastructure and is set to become a vibrant community hub when it opens its doors in 2026.
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