Page 3 - DAVID MUIRHEAD & ASSOCIATES | TALKING TSOGO ISSUE 7

Undoubtedly one the most remarkable hallmarks of the Palazzo is its design –

something that is both timeless and unforgettable. This is not just another hotel;

it’s a landmark by virtue of the architecture that’s become part of the landscape

of Gauteng. Now, 14 years after its opening, many of the members of the original

development team returned to give the hotel a fresh new look, while still retaining the

theming for which the hotel is so revered.

Under the direction of Development Much of the existing furnitureRecalling the early days of Montecasino’s
Manager Beverley Wallace and was retained and either modiied, construction in the late 90’s, Urania

Development Specialist Robyn Campbell, reupholstered or re-coloured, and the Despotidis, Development Finance Manager,
and with Lo-Ann Abernethy of David bathrooms, which have kept the theme describes how the Palazzo was one of the
Muirhead & Associates undertaking the of the property, were not touched. “We irst design projects that was dominated by
interior, the refurbishment of the Palazzo are fortunate that the hotel has aged women, with female painters adorning the

has seen the transformation of 202 rooms very well because the d́cor doesn’t walls with specialised paint techniques and
and the construction of a beautiful new date,” says Beverley.inishes to bring the Tuscan theme to life.
dining venue.

Moving onto Rosa, which is namedUrania and Millicent Zwane (Account
“The brief was clear: we needed to keep for its proximity to the Palazzo’s rose Assistant) are the women in the engine room
the essence of the design intent thatgarden, Robyn Campbell says, “The who ensure that this and all the projects
was created back in 2000. A few trials in design of Rosa complements the Tuscan being undertaken by the Development team

mock-up rooms and we quickly realised architecture and theme of the hotelrun smoothly from an accounting point of
that a contemporary look wasn’t goingand is located adjacent to the walkway view. “Finance is a vital component of our
to work, so we went back to the drawing that leads guests out of the hotel into close-knit team,” comments Beverley.

board to create a design that wouldMontecasino. The back wall of Rosa is
have a distinctly Tuscan feel, retainingan existing stone boundary wall that’s “The Palazzo refurbishment hasn’t just been
the Palazzo’s stylish, authentic look. The spectacularly clad in ivy, lending it a an upgrade. It’s been a journey and we’ve
theming is part of the DNA of the hotel; garden feel, with stacking doors opening had an incredible team, from builders to

it’s what gives it character and ensures the out onto the garden and tables and suppliers to designers, who have given their
timelessness of the property. David and chairs in the walkway in typical European very best to the project. For all of us, the
Lo-Ann interpreted and executed the brief caf́ style.”greatest fulilment comes from watching a

perfectly, with a design, textures, fabrics project grow and seeing the end product.
and colours that complement what we Lo-Ann describes the interior of Rosa It’s worth all the frustrations, tight deadlines
envisaged,” says Beverley.as being airy and Italian, yet slightly and unexpected eventualities. But even
Proveņal. “The design integrates with more gratifying than seeing a project come

Lo-Ann Abernethy, Interior Designerthe garden, while the exposed ceilingstogether is working with our amazing Tsogo
at David Muirhead & Associates, was
responsible for the execution of David’s

designs: “We were inspired by the gardens
and the buildings of the property, which The Palazzo refurbishment hasn’t just been an
we absolutely love, and they formed the
starting point. We wanted to bring through upgrade. It’s been a journey and we’ve had an incredible

that same essence into the interiors; the team, from builders to suppliers to designers, who have
same authenticity that make it true to the
Italian spirit, while being innately stylish, given their very best to the project.
elegant and luxurious.”

“The d́cor in the three room types – the
standard room, executive room and suite – feature timber beams from which Sun Development people, headed up by Kevin

feature different colour schemes but with chandeliers and fans are suspended, Page, who is a great supporter and mentor.
the same gold palette, complementing co-ordinating perfectly with the timber Collectively, we have more than 100 years
each other and bringing through the frame glass doors and timber loors. of experience and a wealth of knowledge
sumptuousness and textured fabrics. We We’ve used a deep, rich wallpaper withbetween us. We love working together and

used a lot of rich colours, especially in the a striking red lower running through it we’re more like a family than colleagues.”
standard room, which we cocooned in an and extended the red to the new show
opulent, gold wallpaper to create warmth, kitchen and to the linen on the tables. If passion translates into beauty, then the

luxury and a romantic feel. In the corridors The chairs are a combination of exquisite Palazzo is quite simply this, in living colour.
and suites, guests will ind a collection of formal, deep button-back upholstered
hand-picked antique pieces that are true dining chairs and casual black-and-white
works of art,” says Lo-Ann.outdoor wicker caf́ style chairs.”

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