In line with the “less is more” trend, Cape Town architects Jan and Liani Douglas, the founders of Douglas & Company, favor simple and practical design. Their studio showcases an extensive portfolio of furniture, lighting and objects as well as their work in complete interior layouts.
Jan and Liani completed their Dolphin Bay apartment project, which is now rented out via Airbnb throughout the year. It is a small, narrow apartment—just 40 square meters—with hidden built-in interior elements and furniture. ArchiExpo spoke to Liani Douglas to find out more about their work.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: Tell us about the Dolphin Bay apartment project.
Liani Douglas: The concept of the apartment was to maximize on compact living, and have a transformative and adaptable space within the small footprint. The nautical reference is also suitable due to its form and proximity to the ocean.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: Any inspiration from Corbusier works?
Liani Douglas: Corbusier’s Cabanon and ship interiors come to mind, where the majority of utilities and furniture are ‘built in’ to free up the remainder of space and allow the same spaces to serve different functions.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How do you implement simple design in your interior objects?
Liani Douglas: We base [our design] on Dieter Rams’s 10 principles of good design, in particular, ‘good design is as little design as possible.’ A fitting example is the DISKUS hanging light (part of our lighting range). The design of this leaning lamp reduces all the traditional components of a pendant light to a minimum.
ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What kind of materials do you use for the DISKUS lamps?
Liani Douglas: We use powder-coated mild steel and brushed brass. The disks are laser cut to size, and then finished and coated. The brass lamp holders and electrical components are then installed by hand. We enjoy using materials that are associated with the construction industry in smaller products.
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