Q-Lounge
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Bronze Age
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Charles Haupt
Other Contributor(s):Interior: Yuliya Gaiduk Leaf Design in collaboration with Trevor Potter
Manufacturer Name:Bronze Age
Client Name:Quoin Rock Wine Estate
Photo Credit:Lionel Henshaw
Project Location:Rosebank, Johannesburg
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
We were commissioned to design and produce a series of bespoke feature elements for the Q Lounge in Johannesburg, contributing to the restaurant’s identity and immersive atmosphere. This included cladding an existing concrete column in richly textured, etched, and patinated brass, with a gradient finish transitioning from deep, oxidised tones at the base to a refined, polished surface at the top. We fabricated four large pivoting brass screens that act as dividers, combining heavily worked surfaces with intricate organic cut-out patterns to create depth, filtered light, and a dynamic sense of layering. A ceiling installation of laser-cut, anodized leaves forms a delicate, floating canopy, adding intricacy, warmth, and movement overhead. At the bar, we developed a layered brass feature with a sculptural built-up logo set against a deeply textured brass backdrop. Together, these elements are unified through material richness, layering, and patina, forming the key features that define the restaurant’s character and elevated spatial experience.
We were commissioned to design and produce a series of bespoke feature elements for the Q Lounge in Johannesburg, contributing to the restaurant’s identity and immersive atmosphere. This included cladding an existing concrete column in richly textured, etched, and patinated brass, with a gradient finish transitioning from deep, oxidised tones at the base to a refined, polished surface at the top. We fabricated four large pivoting brass screens that act as dividers, combining heavily worked surfaces with intricate organic cut-out patterns to create depth, filtered light, and a dynamic sense of layering. A ceiling installation of laser-cut, anodized leaves forms a delicate, floating canopy, adding intricacy, warmth, and movement overhead. At the bar, we developed a layered brass feature with a sculptural built-up logo set against a deeply textured brass backdrop. Together, these elements are unified through material richness, layering, and patina, forming the key features that define the restaurant’s character and elevated spatial experience.
Product Innovation / Specification:
Each feature element presented its own technical challenges, requiring tailored solutions across design, fabrication, and finishing. A key area of innovation lay in our finishing techniques, where digitally created artworks were translated directly into the etching process. This allowed for precise, repeatable yet highly expressive surface textures, bridging digital design with handcrafted material outcomes. In the ceiling installation, innovation was driven through the layering of laser-cut aluminium leaves, finished in a combination of anodised tones. By carefully varying colour and density, we achieved a rich sense of depth, light diffusion, and atmospheric complexity. Across the project, the considered use of brass and aluminium—each manipulated through layering, patination, and surface treatment—formed a cohesive material language. This approach allowed us to balance precision with variability, creating elements that are both controlled in execution and visually dynamic in their final expression.
Each feature element presented its own technical challenges, requiring tailored solutions across design, fabrication, and finishing. A key area of innovation lay in our finishing techniques, where digitally created artworks were translated directly into the etching process. This allowed for precise, repeatable yet highly expressive surface textures, bridging digital design with handcrafted material outcomes. In the ceiling installation, innovation was driven through the layering of laser-cut aluminium leaves, finished in a combination of anodised tones. By carefully varying colour and density, we achieved a rich sense of depth, light diffusion, and atmospheric complexity. Across the project, the considered use of brass and aluminium—each manipulated through layering, patination, and surface treatment—formed a cohesive material language. This approach allowed us to balance precision with variability, creating elements that are both controlled in execution and visually dynamic in their final expression.
Product Sustainability Approach:
Our approach to sustainability considers both material selection and long-term performance. We prioritise materials that are inherently durable and responsibly sourced, ensuring longevity and reduced need for replacement. A key component of the project is aluminium, one of the most widely recyclable metals globally. Its use allows for efficient material recovery and reuse, supporting circularity without compromising on quality or finish. Brass, similarly, offers excellent durability and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of its life cycle. Beyond material choice, our philosophy centres on creating products that are built to last. These elements are designed and fabricated for permanence, resisting wear and deterioration over time. By focusing on longevity rather than short-term solutions, we reduce lifecycle impact and contribute to more sustainable interior environments.
Our approach to sustainability considers both material selection and long-term performance. We prioritise materials that are inherently durable and responsibly sourced, ensuring longevity and reduced need for replacement. A key component of the project is aluminium, one of the most widely recyclable metals globally. Its use allows for efficient material recovery and reuse, supporting circularity without compromising on quality or finish. Brass, similarly, offers excellent durability and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of its life cycle. Beyond material choice, our philosophy centres on creating products that are built to last. These elements are designed and fabricated for permanence, resisting wear and deterioration over time. By focusing on longevity rather than short-term solutions, we reduce lifecycle impact and contribute to more sustainable interior environments.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The project supports the local design and manufacturing industry through the production of bespoke elements fabricated entirely within South Africa. This approach sustains skilled labour and specialised craftsmanship in metalwork, finishing, and fabrication. By combining digital design processes with hands-on techniques, the project highlights the strength and capability of local expertise in delivering high-quality, custom architectural features. It reinforces the value of locally made work while contributing to skills development within the region. The result is a distinctly local expression of design that showcases South Africa’s ability to produce work of an international standard.
The project supports the local design and manufacturing industry through the production of bespoke elements fabricated entirely within South Africa. This approach sustains skilled labour and specialised craftsmanship in metalwork, finishing, and fabrication. By combining digital design processes with hands-on techniques, the project highlights the strength and capability of local expertise in delivering high-quality, custom architectural features. It reinforces the value of locally made work while contributing to skills development within the region. The result is a distinctly local expression of design that showcases South Africa’s ability to produce work of an international standard.
Company Name:Bronze Age
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Charles Haupt
