The President Hotel is a landmark project — a 250-year-old, much-loved Cape Town institution rich with history. The previous pool area felt dated, built with inexpensive materials and shaped by a corporate atmosphere. My intention was to soften the hard lines and create a sense of wonder inspired by the lush, immersive gardens of Singapore.
Working within a compact space and beneath the vertical weight of the building, the goal was to introduce dramatic greenery and blur the boundaries between planting and circulation. Curved walkways, organic deck shapes, and boulder-stepping moments allow guests to move through the planting, creating an integrated, nature-immersive experience.
The aesthetic draws from Saunders Rock — sculptural boulders, white sand, and a crisp white pool surface to evoke an authentically Cape Town environment. Level changes in the decking open up the space, offering varying perspectives and avoiding the typical “row of sardined loungers.” Materials like timber, cargo-style shade netting, and palladina flooring bring a relaxed, coastal character.
Overall, the design creates a diverse, engaging, and calming outdoor environment filled with intimate nooks to pause and enjoy — a space that reflects the hotel’s character while offering a refreshing, contemporary experience.
Installed with UNSER CONSTRUCTION & JULIP LANDSCAPING
