Island Café – The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa | Knysna | June 2025

I was first approached about the Island Café refurbishment in November 2024, and the project evolved over eight months of detailed planning and coordination. My role was to redesign and refurbish the Island Café restaurant at The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa in Knysna, as well as to replace all screeded flooring on the ground floor level. Installation and fit-out took place between 2 June and 18 June 2025 — a tight timeline that required precision, collaboration, and efficiency.

Project Brief & Objectives

The client’s main goal was to address design and functional issues within the existing restaurant and create a more inviting, comfortable dining experience for guests. The previous layout and finishes lacked warmth, particularly for evening dining, and the guest experience needed enhancement in both aesthetic appeal and acoustic comfort.

Design Concept & Material Selections

To transform what was previously a stark white dining space, I introduced warmth and texture through the use of wooden acoustic wall cladding. These full-height wooden panels not only enhanced the restaurant’s atmosphere but also improved sound absorption. The timber panels were treated with fire-retardant spray to align with the hotel’s health and safety standards.

All furniture was upgraded with solid wooden tabletops paired with steel bases to create a more luxurious yet durable look while improving legroom and guest comfort. New modern dining chairs were selected for both style and longevity.

The booth seating was redesigned with a continuous seat cushion and fluted back panels, eliminating the midline joint and ensuring a seamless, comfortable experience. To improve safety and efficiency, the fireplaces were replaced with slimmer, contemporary models that occupy less space, while the wall behind was tiled to accommodate heat transfer.

The old pendants were replaced with modern drum-style lighting, and rusted floor fans were swapped for ceiling fans to enhance air circulation year-round. To emphasize the restaurant’s historic Turbines, I opted for a neutral, refined colour palette that allows these industrial features to stand out as the true focal point of the space.

Entrance & Guest Experience Enhancements

The arrival area previously suffered from wind and cold due to constantly open doors. To solve this, we installed automated doors that open on approach and use a “no-touch” exit button, maintaining comfort while improving accessibility. We also added a glass-paneled wind screen with frosted vinyl branding to buffer the wind and enhance the first impression.

A new reception counter was designed to improve guest flow and staff efficiency, complemented by cocktail tables and a custom-built dining lounge bench that combines the comfort of a sofa with dining-level support. A bespoke privacy screen now conceals the waiters’ service area, maintaining a polished aesthetic.

The service bar received a full redesign with custom cabinetry, floating shelves, and new countertops. A cladded bulkhead with integrated lighting and acoustic panels now reduces sound from coffee machines, while reorganizing the front counter for better workflow and openness.

Lounge & Dining Area Refresh

To create a relaxed, inviting ambiance, I added geometric wallpaper and reupholstered the existing lounge furniture to harmonize with the new colour palette. All dining chairs and tables were replaced and upholstered in UV-resistant outdoor fabrics to handle direct sunlight. New scatter cushions completed the refreshed, cohesive look.

Above the lounge, a statement ceiling installation was created using Malawian pendants and green fern balls. This feature not only provides a “wow factor” but also diffuses the harsh skylight, protecting the furniture and enhancing guest comfort.

Upper & Lower Turbine Areas

On the upper turbine mezzanine, new ghost chairs and compact tables were introduced to create the illusion of space. The wall recess was cladded with wooden acoustic panels and a custom neon sign reading “Captain’s Deck,” adding light and personality. The staircase was refitted with custom tread plates, non-slip coating, and strip lighting for safety and visibility.

In the lower turbine area, we continued the use of ghost chairs to maintain a sense of openness. A green AstroTurf installation featuring a neon “The Generation Station” sign gave this section a distinct identity while celebrating the heritage of the turbines.

Final Touches & Flooring

All tiled areas were professionally deep-cleaned, and new screeded floors were installed throughout the ground floor. Recesses at key entry points — including the front entrance and kitchen doors — were integrated to improve traffic flow and protect the flooring from heavy use.

Outcome

The Island Café refurbishment successfully transformed the restaurant into a warm, inviting, and acoustically balanced dining space. The new design celebrates the hotel’s industrial heritage while providing a refined and comfortable experience for guests. The project was delivered on time and within budget, with both the client and guests expressing immense satisfaction with the final result.

Services Provided

Hospitality interior design and refurbishment
Space planning and acoustic design solutions
Custom furniture design and manufacture
Lighting design and specification
Health and safety–compliant material sourcing
Flooring installation and project management