The Art of Design for Feeling at Home in Retirement
At Oasis Life, design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about feeling at home in your retirement. Feeling considered, and feeling truly comfortable in your surroundings.
That principle shaped the entire design approach behind the new Oasis Life Constantia estate’s Clubhouse — a central hub for socialising, wellness, and daily connection. From the moment you step inside, there’s a sense of warmth and ease. Nothing feels clinical. Nothing feels overdone. Every detail reflects a single guiding philosophy: make it beautiful, and make it liveable.
Led by interior architect Anlo Neethling and Project Manager Natalie du Preez of One Design and Development (One D & D), the vision was to create a space that felt sophisticated yet familiar — contemporary, yet true to its Constantia setting.
“The design concept was a modern interpretation of a Constantia farmhouse,” says Neethling. “We used timber, marble, stone, and authentic South African art to create richness and warmth. No cheap prints and copies, no cold corporate finishes.”
Oasis Life Constantia comprises three apartment buildings, which made the Clubhouse considerably important in its role. It couldn’t just be a shared facility — it had to act as a natural extension of people’s homes. From the outside, the Clubhouse maintains a modest profile — but step indoors, and the layout unfolds with surprising generosity. That’s by design.
“We deliberately broke the space into smaller, purposeful zones,” explains Neethling. “Cosy lounge areas, quiet nooks, layered seating — all of it was designed to feel intimate and comfortable, rather than cavernous and institutional.”
Du Preez adds that the design process was deeply influenced by Oasis Life’s age-tailored approach to retirement living.
“You’ll see subtle but important details throughout the space,” she says. “Carpet inserts instead of loose rugs to prevent trips. Chairs at a supportive height. Bathrooms and basins at optimal levels. It looks like a contemporary home — but every decision has been made with ease and comfort in mind. All furniture was designed at a certain height, with arm rests and high backs.“
This commitment to thoughtful, age-tailored design extends well beyond the Clubhouse. Inside every home, you’ll find details like built-in bathroom seating, handrails, and wider passages for wheelchair access — all integrated seamlessly into the modern architecture. Across the estate, the same philosophy applies: paths are level and walkable, amenities are easily accessible, and every shared space is designed to support comfort without compromising on style.
Even the indoor aerobics pool was intentionally designed to feel more like a boutique spa than a fitness facility. It’s softly lit, acoustically gentle, and aesthetically inviting — encouraging residents to spend time there not just for exercise, but for relaxation and rejuvenation too.
“We didn’t want it to feel like ‘a typical boutique gym,'” Neethling explains. “It had to feel like somewhere you’d want to spend time to reward yourself.”
A Celebration of Creative Cape Town
As a proudly South African studio, One D & D believes in elevating local makers, materials, and artistic voices. That belief is woven into every aspect of the Clubhouse interiors — from the upholstery and joinery to the curated collection of art on the walls.
All furniture and cabinetry were locally crafted, supporting skilled artisans and custom workshops. This not only brought authenticity and texture to the project but allowed the design team to fine-tune every detail for the space, ensuring comfort, quality, and cohesion.
The same care went into selecting the artwork. With an emphasis on Western-Cape creatives, the Clubhouse art collection includes original works and signed prints by South African artists such as Evert Esterhuizen, Luzanne Delport, Lucie de Moyencourt, Walter Batiss, and more.
Each piece was chosen for its sense of narrative and place. From the moody blues of the games room — home to vintage sports photography and donated memorabilia — to the coastal watercolours and bold botanical studies that animate the shared spaces, the art introduces warmth, colour, and character.
These aren’t decorative afterthoughts. They’re conversation pieces. Memory triggers. Expressions of identity. Depictions of favourite places in the surrounding area.
Together, the curated artwork, tactile finishes, and layered interior moments tell a bigger story: one where age is not a design limitation, but a lens for deeper consideration. One where comfort and beauty exist in equal measure. One where retirement living can be as inspiring as it is effortless.
At Oasis Life Constantia, the design doesn’t just serve the lifestyle. It defines it.
For more information, email info@oasislife.co.za
