Clara Anna Fontein is a 128 hectare security and lifestyle estate set in the peaceful countryside above Durbanville, which offers a modern take on retirement living. It is the jewel in the Oasis Life Developments, created by Rabie Property Group.

The estate boasts an upmarket sports centre, with fully equipped modern gym, a 24m heated lap-pool, a squash court and two tennis courts. Collaboration was appointed to design the interiors within the modern glass and steel pavilion that houses the reception, admin and sales offices; as well as the lounges; bar and dining areas.

The contemporary interiors reflect high quality materials and finishes, such as a stone clad reception desk; solid timber herringbone patterned floor and plush stretched carpets.

One enters the Clubhouse through the glazed wind lobby, into the entrance where one can access either the reception; library; sales lounge or the healthcare facilities, which include consulting and observation rooms. Moving through the high, generously proportioned entrance with timber ceiling panelling, one dips below a dropped archway into the main space housing the lounge; bar counter; and dining area with servery counter.

All joinery items are custom designed and manufactured. These bespoke elements have considered specific ergonomics relating to the users, as well as ensuring material and finish durability.

Every item of furniture has been customized in terms of fabrics and finishes. The bar counter was designed to have dual functionality, to be able to operate as a coffee bar serving pastries in the morning, and then a drinks bar serving cocktails to the lounge areas in the evening. The design incorporates vertical timber slats screening off the rear of the bar, and a bespoke serving counter accommodating comfortable bar stools.

A dual-sided gas fireplace creates a visual separation between the bar area and the main dining area. Within the dining area, a dropped feature slatted timber ceiling lowers the overall volume, creating a warm ambience in the evening, while still allowing natural light from the perimeter clearstory windows, to filter down between the slats during the day.

Feature pendant light fittings protrude between the timber slats, creating interest and varying the height within the dining area. The design intent was to create an atmosphere of sophistication and calm tranquillity, without distracting from the views out of the vast expanses of glazing, to the lush wetlands and greenbelt below.

There is a separate “stand-alone” multi-functional room that can double-up as overflow seating for the dining area during peak or seasonal periods, as well as having the ability to be hired out for private functions / conferences, or used for a variety of hobbies, such as music; dance; yoga or art. One can also access a central, landscaped courtyard with water feature and outdoor seating below a retractable awning, from the secondary circulation passage that bisects the building.