Inside the Oasis Life Sunningdale Clubhouse: Designing Retirement for Community
The Clubhouse at Oasis Life Sunningdale makes its intentions clear from the moment you arrive. A bright, welcoming entrance lobby sets the tone, with the word “Welcome” rendered in wooden lettering against a backdrop of Delft blue and white wallpaper. Terracotta ceiling pendants add warmth, while the soft, natural presence of a large tree in a basket anchors the space.
This is not a traditional facility; it is a masterclass in retirement community design. The tone is set from arrival, where custom Delft-inspired wallpaper, warm terracotta lighting, and timber signage create an immediate sense of welcome. From this first impression, a sense of cohesion carries through the building, creating a visual journey that unfolds naturally from one space to the next.
“We wanted to create moments,” says Anlo Neethling from One Design + Development, who led the team responsible for the interior architecture and design. “The challenge with any Clubhouse or shared community space is that these can easily feel clinical or impersonal. Our aim was for residents to feel they are stepping into an extension of their home.”
Spaces That Reveal Themselves
Rather than relying on a single statement space, the Clubhouse is shaped through a series of carefully considered pockets of interest. This approach to social architecture ensures that each area flows into the next, with small shifts in texture, colour, and scale.
The entrance lobby leads into the library, where playful blue and white striped fabric is paired with Gemma Orkin’s ceramic plates, tucked between the bookshelves. Along the passage, five arches are built into the wall, each featuring a different design treatment. Some feature a bench and server, while another displays Gemma Orkin’s ceramic plates arranged in an almost random, artistic composition.
The library introduces layered textures and features locally crafted ceramics by Gemma Orkin, reinforcing the Clubhouse’s residential warmth.
“Each part of the Clubhouse required the usual elements, but considered in a slightly different way,” says Natalie Du Preez from One Design + Development. “Cohesion was achieved by repeating themes throughout. The arch shape welcomes you in the entrance lobby and continues through the passage. The custom-designed Delft wallpaper, which includes local imagery such as Table Mountain, aloe and ocean scenes, is repeated at the welcome desk, in the passage, and as a room divider. It was incredibly important for us to achieve a West Coast contemporary feel without being kitsch.”
A Palette Rooted in Place
Colour and material choices play a quiet but important role in defining this luxury retirement lifestyle. Deep blues and whites are offset by warm, light woods and subtle accents of yellow, rust, and red. Greenery softens each space, from olive trees placed in baskets to orchids planted in terracotta and stone planters.
Lighting is treated with equal care, supporting both atmosphere and function. “We understand how critical light fittings and luxe levels are in making or breaking a space,” continues Anlo. “The large woven baskets above the deli counter add a sense of drama with a coastal reference. The wall lights in the archways introduce a touch of nostalgia, while the terracotta pendants bring an earthy, grounded quality.”
Deep coastal blues and warm natural timbers create a refined yet relaxed dining environment designed for everyday gathering.
Art That Reflects the Story
Art and colour are carried beyond the main living spaces and into more unexpected areas. In the bathrooms, detailed illustrations of traditional West Coast fishermen’s houses and boats continue the narrative of place, reinforcing the identity of Oasis Life Sunningdale.
Another layer of storytelling appears in the passage leading to the games room and multi-purpose room. “Here, we wanted something soft and authentic. Two West Coast beach images were printed on linen and turned into wall hangings. As the breeze moves through the space, the linen ripples gently, creating the feeling of standing on the beach with sand beneath your toes,” says Natalie.
Architecture That Responds to Light and Climate
Designed by Craft of Architecture, the building itself responds carefully to its setting—a hallmark of community-centric living. The covered patio remains wind-free even when surrounding conditions are blustery, allowing for comfortable outdoor use throughout the year. Skylights introduced in both the passage and patio bring natural light into the interior, shifting subtly as the sun moves and gently transforming the atmosphere over the course of the day.
“At Rabie Property Developers, we believe that great developments are measured by the quality of life they enable. The Clubhouse was always intended to be more than an amenity — it is the architectural and social anchor of the estate. By prioritising shared spaces that feel warm, welcoming and deeply considered, we’re investing in connection, not just infrastructure,” says Mariska Auret, CEO of Rabie Property Developers.
A Clubhouse Designed for a Hospitality-Driven Lifestyle
Together, the architecture, interiors, art, and light work in quiet harmony to create spaces that feel layered, personal, and connected to their setting. This hospitality-led retirement model reveals itself through carefully curated moments that result in a shared space that feels considered without feeling staged, and welcoming without being prescriptive.
“The Clubhouse sets the tone for the estate’s culture. It’s where lifestyle becomes tangible, and design, community and daily life intersect,” says Glyn Taylor, CEO of Oasis Life. “Everything has been carefully considered, including our partnership with Bootlegger. With our background in hospitality, we understand that every detail makes a difference. And a really good cup of coffee is never just a luxury — it’s part of the everyday rituals that bring people together.”
Oasis Life Retirement FAQ
How does Oasis Life prioritise community in its design?
Through social architecture, the Clubhouse features “pockets of interest” rather than cold, open halls. This encourages smaller, more intimate interactions and makes residents feel at home.
Who are the developers behind Oasis Life?
The estate is developed by Rabie Property Developers, a firm known for integrating hospitality standards into residential environments.
What is hospitality-led retirement?
It is a model where the focus shifts from “care” to “lifestyle.” Amenities, food and beverage partnerships (like Bootlegger), and interior design are all handled with the same attention to detail as a luxury hotel.
Is each Clubhouse design specific to its location?
Yes. For example, the palette of Delft blues, coastal timbers, and West Coast artwork ensures the Oasis Life Sunningdale Clubhouse feels rooted in its specific geographic context. At Oasis LIfe Constantia on the other hand, the use of oak and vine greens is a nod to the well-known vineyards nearby such as Groot Constantia Wine Farm.
Experience the Clubhouse Firsthand
Oasis Life Sunningdale invites residents into a lifestyle shaped by design, hospitality, and connection. The Clubhouse is not simply a shared amenity — it is where everyday rituals unfold, where neighbours become friends, and where thoughtful architecture supports meaningful living.
To learn more about Oasis Life Sunningdale or to arrange a private viewing:
📍 Visit our show house: Burlington Drive, Sunningdale
📞 021 557 7755
Images include photography by Art Hub Productions.
