Land Art Studio

Land Art Studio, located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a renowned practice in the fields of landscape architecture, placemaking, and design. Under the leadership of founder Bernice Rumble, the studio is dedicated to delivering harmonious, resilient, and delightful destinations that integrate with their natural surroundings.

One of the studio’s most celebrated projects is the renovation of Luxury Lifestyle Awards-winning Sala Beach House, situated in the picturesque region of Shaka’s Rock, KwaZulu-Natal. The design phase of the project began at the end of 2019, with construction commencing in mid-2021 and reaching completion by January 2023. Originally a single residential home, the site was rezoned for hotel purposes and transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel that encapsulates the ‘Wabi-Sabi’ aesthetic philosophy.

The renovation faced several challenges, particularly in sourcing unique materials for the pool, outdoor flooring, brise soleil wall, and outdoor bar and ablutions. Despite these hurdles, Land Art Studio succeeded in creating a stunning space that integrates natural and locally sourced materials, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the hotel.

The design incorporates innovative elements such as the arrival breezeway, floating timber pads, and a secluded summer courtyard featuring a plunge pool and outdoor bar. The ocean-facing side, originally a manicured lawn, was reimagined to include a rectangular pool, dining terrace, and social boma, with the landscape woven through these activities and the dune fully rehabilitated with site-specific plant material.

Land Art Studio’s contribution to Sala Beach House extended from master planning to design development and final completion, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable design. The project also incorporated water harvesting and indigenous dune rehabilitation to secure the dune and protect against rising sea levels, underscoring the studio’s commitment to sustainability.