Launching the suite marked a truly special moment for the StudioLandt team. Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with Thebe Magugu and Belmond team to bring this project to life.
There are moments in practice that feel less like projects and more like conversations – layered, evolving, and deeply intentional. The Thebe Magugu Suite at Mount Nelson was one of those moments.
From our earliest discussions with Thebe and Belmond, it was clear this would be more than a redesign of a historic wing. It was about translation. About holding three distinct narratives in balance: the cultural landscape of South Africa, the English heritage of Mount Nelson, and the distinct identity of the Thebe Magugu brand. Our role was to allow them to coexist – not in competition, but in conversation.
Working within Mount Nelson’s storied architecture demanded sensitivity. The building holds memory. Its proportions and detailing are rooted in English tradition. At the same time, Thebe’s practice is grounded in preservation and progressive storytelling – celebrating African identity with nuance and confidence. The design process became an act of reframing:
English grandeur interpreted through a distinctly African lens.
What made this project exceptional was the collaboration. Thebe’s clarity of vision and generosity in dialogue shaped our decisions. An extraordinary team of artisans, makers, and artists brought depth and authenticity; from custom carpets and hand-sketched wallpaper to curated artworks that anchor the space. Each contributor strengthened the narrative & each layer added meaning.
What emerged is more than a redesigned suite. It is an Afro-modernist sanctuary – soulful, symbolic, and unapologetically expressive.
A space grounded in cultural preservation, yet confidently forward-looking.
For us, it was a moment that felt both grounding and expansive at the same time. Thank you to Thebe Magugu and Belmond for trusting StudioLandt with a project of such meaning and magnitude. It is an honour we hold with immense pride and gratitude.