Keep-sakes

One of VISI's favourite architects ROBERT SILKE talks about the PERSONAL OBJECTS that have INSPIRED and defined him.

- STEVE SMITH

IT WOULDN'T BE INACCURATE TO SAY THAT ROBERT SILKE has had a seismic impact on Cape Town's urban landscape. His designs for a series of apartment blocks and hotels in Sea Point and the city centre have kicked off a move away from right-angled steel-and-glass cubes towards softer, retro-inspired and ultimately more approachable structures. Tuynhuys apartments in Gardens, ANEW hotel in Green Point, Tropicana hotel, The Flamingo apartments, and now The Cole/Dolce Vita (see page 138) in Sea Point - all have inspired a flowering of architectural copies around the city.

While undoubtedly an homage to Art Deco and Modernism, Robert's designs take it a step further, adding another layer to the architectural lexicon, playing with those idioms, and showcasing a contemporary interpretation that not only makes for striking architecture, but that also amplifies the original Art Deco/Modernist buildings nearby.

And giving some insights into his aesthetic and passions are Robert's keepsakes...

DAIMLER SUPER 8

Classic cars are a romantic pursuit, and this was the last-ever Daimler. Only 750 were made, and (in a fit of madness) I imported this 2006 unicorn. The interior is a gentlemen's club in burled walnut, pleated ivory leather and lamb's-wool rugs - with a funereal facade in 'Garnet', a pearlescent blackened ruby. This feudal stretch saloon was meant for those who get driven rather than those who drive (making me a chauffeur!), but the technology comes from the future. The body is pressed aluminium; the chassis is aluminium; the air suspension system is in cast aluminium too.