Stories about design, materials and making.

Observations from more than three decades of creating custom architectural metalwork in Cape Town.

Cape Town Timber Trends: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next

Timber / June 2026

Cape Town Timber Trends: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next

Cape Town homes are moving away from glossy, heavily stained timber towards pale tones, natural texture and honest materials.

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Designing Metalwork for Coastal Homes

Materials / June 2026

Designing Metalwork for Coastal Homes

How exposure, finishes and detailing influence gates, balustrades and exterior structures near the Atlantic.

The Staircase as Architecture

Design / June 2026

The Staircase as Architecture

Why proportion, structure and material should be resolved together when a staircase becomes part of the room.

Gates That Belong to the House

Entrances / June 2026

Gates That Belong to the House

Balancing privacy, security and architectural character at the first threshold of a property.

Specifying a Staircase for a Compact Clifton Apartment

Staircases / June 2026

Specifying a Staircase for a Compact Clifton Apartment

Compact floor plans, ocean views and coastal exposure make staircase design in Clifton apartments more demanding — and more rewarding — than most commissions.

Steel vs Stainless Steel for Exterior Gates

Materials / June 2026

Steel vs Stainless Steel for Exterior Gates

Both materials can produce a refined exterior gate. The right choice depends on exposure, finish preference and how much maintenance you want to do over time.

What Does a Bespoke Gate Cost in Cape Town?

Entrances / June 2026

What Does a Bespoke Gate Cost in Cape Town?

The honest answer is that it depends on more variables than most people expect. Here is what actually drives the price.

Why Frameless Glass Balustrades Need Specialist Installation Near the Ocean

Balustrades / June 2026

Why Frameless Glass Balustrades Need Specialist Installation Near the Ocean

The fixing system, glass specification and channel detailing matter as much as the visual design — especially within a few kilometres of the Atlantic.

A Floating Staircase for a Constantia New Build

Projects / June 2026

A Floating Staircase for a Constantia New Build

A brief for a staircase that feels like part of the architecture rather than something added to it — resolved in mild steel, glass and French oak.