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Cape Town

Celebrating distinctive South African design inspiration

Built in the 1940s, oenologist Kungawo's stunning Cape Town home reflects the melting pot of culture, art, and history that makes the port city such a distinctive design capital. Perched beneath the famous Table Mountain, the villa draws inspiration from the ancient Dutch colonial and Victorian buildings nestled next to skyscrapers and lush botanical gardens below. Proving that the Mother City is about substance as much as it's about style, a context in which Franke is very much at home.

Kungawo's dream home

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In such an exceptional setting, Kungowa knew he had to pay homage to not only the natural beauty but also the rich and colorful influences of the city. Drawing on the villa's original exposed concrete as a starting point, Kungowa added pops of color throughout the space. Bright yellow chairs indicative of the city's colorful Bokaap neighborhood, sit comfortably next to leather couches of a more colonially-inspired era. The hard modern concrete is softened by traditional grass-woven chandeliers, tribal head masks, and polished wooden furniture. An infusion of inspiration, much like that of the city below. 

I wanted to create a space that showed off the best design elements Cape Town had to offer... and of course my wine collection.

Kungowa

Winemaker

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Combining modern architecture and richly-diverse cultures is no easy feat, which is why Kungawo chose appliances that blended seamlessly into his home's surroundings. The sleek black ovens allow the eye to travel smoothly to the spectacular views outside. While the gas hob rests unobtrusively below the rich wooden paneled backsplash. But, true to Kungawo's style, he added a pop of interest with the centrally placed sink and tap on the kitchen island. 

KUBUS PULL OUT (115.0529.207) / BOX CENTER BWX 220-54-27 TL (127.0538.259)
FMY 99 P XS (116.0613.708) / Black Gas Hob (Mythos range), 75 cm
Oranjezicht, Cape Town

Meet Kungawo

Meet Kungawo, a 42-year-old oenologist born and raised in Cape Town. He studied in Bordeaux and specialized in French wines, bringing back his expertise to his wine farm just outside the city. An avid outdoorsman, Kungawo enjoys climbing, hiking, and anything that helps keep him in touch with the nature that surrounds his home. When he can, he still plays cricket with his old school friends. His ambition is to help shed light on African design and share it with the world.

Franke products used

Find the products that inspired Kungowa to create his dream kitchen.

A global design icon

Cape Town may be relatively new to the design scene, but it exploded onto the map thanks to its multifaceted and multicultural approach to creativity. The blend of cutting-edge design and historical influence has helped Cape Town to be named a UNESCO City of Design, dedicated to driving social and urban change. Inspiring a new wave of local designers and design-enthusiasts like Kungawo to create their own beautiful spaces and grow design in Africa.