PROJECT Xperiencemakers
said,“ Listening creates a holy silence. When you listen generously to people, they can hear truth in themselves, often for the first time.” Xperiencemakers embraces this philosophy by helping its clients“ hear themselves better,” ensuring that the clients’ vision forms the foundation of the design concept.
The primary challenge was to retain the building’ s essence while creating an environment that resonates with contemporary luxury and sustainability. During the creative audit, Xperiencemakers established three core components that guided the project:
• Spatial planning: Xperiencemakers optimised La Cantina for both privacy and socialising, ensuring functionality and flow.
• Budgeting: From the outset, a line-itemised broad budget was defined. This allowed Xperiencemakers to carefully manage the budget, delivering premium, bespoke design solutions without compromising on quality or sustainability. Every element, from materials to furnishings, was thoughtfully selected to align with the project’ s investment parameters.
• Compelling visual aesthetic references: Xperiencemakers curated design elements that reflected Fancourt’ s discerning taste and unique heritage, serving as the North Star during the design and drawing development stages.
Xperiencemakers’ design process is highly collaborative, intentional, and strategic. They invested time in understanding the cultural and heritage context of Fancourt, identifying the unique opportunities presented by La Cantina’ s existing structure. This foundational understanding enabled Xperiencemakers to develop a cohesive vision for the project.
From the insights gathered during the creative audit, Xperiencemakers progressed to the Create & Develop stage. Here, they focused on the meticulous sourcing and curation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment( FF & E), as well as the development of detailed design and technical drawings. Every decision was made with sensitivity and care, ensuring that the space would offer a meaningful and immersive experience.
The end result is a singular, story-rich environment that seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. La Cantina’ s design reflects the collaborative journey Xperiencemakers embarked on with their client, creating a space that meaningfully connects with its guests and stands as a testament to timeless, intentional design.
Sustainability at the core
At the heart of La Cantina lies an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Xperiencemakers repurposed existing structures and carefully curated materials that align with ecological responsibility.
• Sustainable teak flooring: One of the first transformative steps was replacing the flooring with sustainably sourced teak wood. Known for its durability and timeless appeal, teak not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that the floor withstands the rigors of a hightraffic hospitality setting.
• Thoughtful repurposing: Rather than discarding existing structures, Xperiencemakers transformed them, breathing new life into the space and maximising its potential. This innovative approach minimises waste and exemplifies our commitment to sustainability.
• Reclaimed elements: Instead of opting for mass-produced furnishings, Xperiencemakers revitalised existing pieces. The combination of reupholstered furniture with bespoke, handcrafted additions reflects Xperiencemakers’ belief in minimising waste while celebrating artisanal craftsmanship. www. sabuildingreview. co. za 161