Ashanti Design is thrilled to have been part of the stunning transformation of what was once Ochre Restaurant at the One&Only Hotel, now Rooi. Spearheaded by the incredible team at Muza Lab, Rooi celebrates the essence of South African culture, blending rich history with contemporary design.
Our contribution to this extraordinary project involved the use of hundreds of meters of our signature raffia and banana leaf raffia for wall panelling, pillar wraps, and screen doors. These elements brought a natural warmth and texture to the space, perfectly complementing the curated aesthetic of the restaurant. A key feature of the design were the bespoke wooden-framed panels, which incorporated our plain raffia fabric as inserts—a smart design choice by Inge Moore that added both beauty and function.
The restaurant’s design is a stunning blend of local craftsmanship, and Ashanti’s raffia fabric plays an integral role in maintaining the earthy, organic feel. We love how our fabric enhances the design, contributing to the layered textures throughout, from the bespoke screen doors to the detailed bulkheads, which were screen-printed with beautiful nature and bird imagery.
Rooi's name, meaning “red” in Afrikaans, symbolizes the fire that has shaped both the restaurant's cooking style and its overall aesthetic. Executive Chef Terrence Ford’s menu, influenced by the ancient tradition of cooking over fire, takes inspiration from the fiery element, with flames not just in the kitchen but incorporated into the restaurant’s design itself. From the back of the restaurant, the screen doors can be opened to create a more private dining area, bringing both flexibility and beauty to the space.
We are proud to have been a part of this remarkable project, and we thank Inge Moore and the team at Muza Lab for trusting us to contribute to this incredible space. The fusion of South African culture, local design, and our raffia fabric is a testament to the talent and passion behind Rooi. If you haven't yet experienced this beautiful space, we highly recommend visiting—it's truly a celebration of history, culture, and fire.
Photography // Greg Cox
