As the world becomes ever more crowded, often the challenge to designers is less about creating buildings from scratch, but increasingly one of re-using elements of a places industrial past and giving them a new lease of life in a world that had left them behind. This is exactly the task that was set before Thomas Heatherwick; to take the iconic, former grain silo which stands on Cape Town’s, Victoria and Alfred waterfront and repurpose it as a luxurious, boutique hotel.
And the results are nothing short of stunning, a building that will be as synonymous with the Cape Town skyline as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Occupying six floors, above what will soon become the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo is both a nod to South Africa’s agrarian past and a bold stride into a very different sunrise. This effortless partnership between old and new uses modern trappings to highlight the past; glass window sculpture and some re-appropriated original industrial features bridging the distance in both age and purpose.
With only 28 rooms including a sumptuous penthouse, this is definitely a hotel that has time to focus on the customer. The rooms offer a unique and luxurious experience. Handmade crystal chandeliers, curated art works, deep soaking baths and full height windows offering panoramic views, plus a décor blended from vivid and playful colors all make for a memorable and sensual experience.
The Granary Café and The Willaston Bar, managed by executive chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert, offer wonderful food and classic cocktails, and also contain within is The Vault, a private art gallery that displays a selection of works from emerging and established African artists. It goes without saying that wine-tasting on the rooftop bar is also an option and if after a full day exploring South Africa’s mother city you need to unwind you just need to head to the spa and sauna
Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, you are in Cape Town for the nightlife or the sights such as Robben Island or Table Mountain; The Silo is a perfect and luxurious base from which to start.
