Garden Court (Umhlanga)
This year, Southern Sun celebrates 40 years of hospitality leadership. Since day one, the group has been dedicated to building a dynamic company which would change the South African hotel industry forever. Through its innovative spirit, dynamic management and a work force of dedicated employees, it has consistently remained "Africa’s leading hotel group".
Southern Sun, constantly investing in improved hospitality treatment for its patrons, has developed three new hotels set to open in time for the 2010 World Cup™.
One of the premier developments, Garden Court Umhlanga, is perfectly situated in the heart of Umhlanga offering a location that suits the corporate guest, as well as interior design and facilities that reinforce the 'resort' element that Umhlanga is traditionally known for.
The hotel combines a restaurant, lush courtyard, pool with play ledge for young children and a gym facility for the health conscious to enjoy. The opening of Garden Court Umhlanga revealed its contemporary interior design influenced by the colours and textures of a natural reed taken from the name ‘Umhlanga’ – Place of Reeds.
A Place of Reeds
The English translation of the Zulu word Umhlanga, is 'Place of Reeds' and this single phrase was used as a background inspiration for the hotel’s interior décor.
Interpretations of this translation have resulted in a palette of greens and aubergines that ensure that colour permeates the sophisticated base palette. Textured grass pendants, illuminated reed sculptures, and fabric colours and textures all take their queue from this phrase.
This was Louis Karol Interiors interpretation of the client’s brief, which included creating a relaxed internal space that would ensure guest comfort on aesthetic and practical levels, whilst fitting seamlessly into the corporate fabric of the precinct which it forms a part of.
The strong geometry of the architecture has been pulled through into various interior design elements - ceiling geometry, floor finish juxtaposition and various joinery elements, all work together to create a sophisticated palette. These elements have been styled with appropriate furniture to add splashes of colour, texture and tradition.
In a contemporary, gallery-style display along the hotel’s walls, are photographic framed artworks and full scale wall art reflecting abstract compositions of reed beds. Original charcoal artworks interpret traditional Zulu object and artefacts. Comfortable Environment for Relaxation, Business & Enjoyment
The double volume space to the reception, bar and restaurant allows natural light to penetrate and ensures open views onto the adjacent, lush courtyard and pool area. Bar, lounge and internet facilities are all accommodated in an open plan environment to ensure seamless interaction between spaces and their primary functions.
While, the buffet restaurant facility boasts an Asian Fusion counter adding to the culinary fair on offer, and seating spills out to the courtyard for more informal, al fresco dining.
Boardroom and conference facilities with large volumes of natural light overlook the reception area and offer versatile accommodation and top-end audio-visual facilities. All bedrooms offer 4-pi ece bathrooms with separate baths and showers and incorporate aquatic hues that create a relaxed, tranquil palette. The 204 rooms are a combination of queen and double size rooms with inter-leading, adding flexibility the various needs of guests.
Energy Efficiency
A number of ‘green’ solutions have been applied to the hotel. Of these the most varied applications stem from the wet services and electrical nature. Energy saving lights have been installed, which include intelligent or motion-detection controls, activating or deactivating by the presence (or absence) of people.
Wet services installations include multiple water applications, such as grey water recycling that uses 90 percent of roof storm water run-off, which is captured, cleaned and used for the air-conditioning. Infrared operated faucets, installed in the wash hand basins, reduce water consumption and waste associated with taps inadvertently left open. For hot water, heat recovery chillers and heat pumps allow the hotel access to free energy for heating the domestic water supply.
CLIENT LIBERTY PROPERTIES
OPERATOR SOUTHERN SUN
PROJECT MANAGER
LOUIS KAROL PROJECT MANAGEMENT / SIP PROJECT MANAGERS
PRINCIPAL AGENTS
LOUIS KAROL ARCHITECTS
INTERIOR DESIGN
LOUIS KAROL INTERIORS
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
LOUIS KAROL ARCHITECTS
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
D V CAPE CONSULTING
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
BASIL NAIR & ASSOCIATES
RATIONAL FIRE DESIGN
BRAMLEY & ASSOCIATES
ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT
QUAD AFRICA
WET SERVICES ENGINEER
BENATAR CONSULTING
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
STEFANUTTI STOCKS BUILDING KZN (PTY) LTD
LIGHTING ENGINEER
– QDP LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL
ACOUSTIC AND AV CONSULTANT
– MMPA
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
– LANDMARK STUDIOS
