Sustainable living in Cape Town: COCO-MAT Lofts were renovated by Lida and Luca Verbeeck in 2017 and has been self-sustaining since inception
COCO-MAT Lofts, in conversation with Lida and Luca Verbeeck
Lida and Luca Verbeeck established the COCO-MAT lofts in Cape Town in 2017. The sustainable hub located in the Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town, has been a passionate project since its inception. «We’ve always been passionate about sustainability and in this case, sustainable living. As best as possible we try to live in a conscious mindset of how we inhabit and use what is least impactful on the planet. Sustainable construction is not a common practice in South Africa yet so it can be challenging to find the right materials and methods. So from the design phase we were already going into a sustainable direction».
Given South Africa’s energy and resource crisis, ensuring basic comfort for guests became essential. They implemented solar energy with a battery system, rainwater reuse, and cork materials in construction, along with compostable coffee pods sourced locally.
The Culturally Rich Location of the Bo Kaap Neighborhood
The colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood, where the building is situated, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture that reflects its multicultural history. The area is historically home to numerous Malay and Muslim families. «We adore the location, as it exudes a vibrant atmosphere, with sounds emanating from the nearby mosques and the aroma of spices wafting from local kitchens. Additionally, the panoramic views of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak to the front and Signal Hill and Lion’s Head to the back are breathtaking».
The location is convenient, as it provides easy access to the north or south, and numerous restaurants and shops in Bree Street or Kloof Street are within walking distance.
The start of COCO-MAT lofts in Cape Town
The owners of the accommodation were introduced to COCO-MAT through a mutual friend and the owners of Hidden Hotel in Paris and were impressed by the product and brand. They opened a franchise in South Africa in 2018 with the plan of having a similar setup as the COCO-MAT hotels in Greece. The concept allowed clients to try the beds before making a final purchase.
They coined the term ‘cocomatized’ for people who fell in love with the product. COCO-MAT was a significant part of their lives, and the brand’s innovative and sustainable product development was noteworthy. However, due to COVID-related shipping disruptions and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the COCO-MAT brand in South Africa became unaffordable for their loyal client base, and the retail section had to be closed. Nevertheless, the owners still have the building with potential and two lofts.
Creating a Retreat: Yoga Classes with Mountain Views at COCO-MAT Lofts
The goal of booking the lofts is to provide a tranquil environment where guests can unwind and rejuvenate. The primary focus is on rest and reconnection with one’s mind and body, allowing guests to enjoy a retreat-like experience in the city.
«Staring at the night sky without technology or TV and connecting with your loved one or yourself. Taking time to breathe and boosting your mind with relaxation». To further enhance relaxation and promote mental well-being, guests can book a yoga class on the terraces, which offer mountain views.
Sustainable Living: Collaborating with Local Brands at COCO-MAT Lofts
Lida and Luca Verbeeck have chosen to collaborate with local brands that share their commitment to sustainability. «We have selected each brand that aligns with our values and design. They are local and have a focus on sustainability. In terms of sustainability – reducing our carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty of products. By working with brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, we minimize waste, reduce energy usage, and promote responsible tourism».
4 WKS coffee offers biodegradable coffee pods and sources their coffee from the best roasters in Cape Town. Fijn Botanicals is a small family business in Montagu that produces handmade bathroom products using only natural ingredients, such as local fynbos. Maanschijn, a wine brand from Hermanus, partners with local vineyards to produce wine in a sustainable, small-scale manner. Honest chocolate is another local brand that provides sweet treats for guests. While the COCO-MAT beds are not locally made, they are made from natural materials and non-toxic elements.
A collaboration between Casamento and COCO-MAT for Loft Sofas and a Reading Nook
The sofas were a result of a collaboration with a local designer called Casamento. The base and cushion inners of the sofas were made using COCO-MAT mattresses, which are known for their sustainable materials and ability to provide a good night’s sleep. As for the reading nook, it was designed as a unique space to meditate and enjoy the night lights. The base was made using an off-cut of a COCO-MAT mattress, while the fabrics used are one-hundred percent linen and wool. The COCO-MAT philosophy of using natural materials was incorporated in the design, which is why Lida and Luca chose to work with the brand.
The Challenges and Rewards of Constructing The COCO-MAT Lofts
The process of creating the lofts was both exciting and stressful. Although it was worth it in the end, it involved a lot of paperwork and took around two years of dealing with authorities and architects. One particularly stressful moment was when steel posts for the new floor had to be craned up several meters in the air, just a few centimeters from the brick facade. However, the owners trusted the professionals they worked with and everything went smoothly.
Throughout the construction project, there were also unplanned situations that required quick decisions and a bit of creativity. For example, the location of the shower in the Devil’s Peak lofts had to be changed, but it turned out to be a good feature of the unit.
Preserving the History of the Building: Repurposing and Reusing Salvaged Materials in the Lofts
«We love to showcase the history of the building through the features it has from previous lives». Previously, the building was a leather company that mainly used ostrich leather and had office spaces. While there wasn’t much to salvage on the first floor, they repurposed two industrial vents, which were originally chimneys, for their braai, a South African barbeque.
«When removing the existing roof, we choose to keep the truss pieces exposed in the gabble behind the façade. All the trusses and beams were actually in Oregon pine, which today is considered as a pristine wood essence, so we reuse all of that wood in the stairs and kitchen cupboard of the lofts».
Structural Modifications to an Old Building: COCO-MAT Lofts
The building’s structure remains original, except for the addition of a new floor for the lofts using a steel structure and a new slab. «The original structure was declared strong enough to take on a new load by the structural engineer». The new slab had to rest on specific points, and the ground level did not require any reinforcement. However, when the old roof was removed, the front and back brick gables had to be reinforced to prevent them from being free-standing.
COCO-MAT Lofts, Cape Town
214 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001. Cocomat Lofts, by Lida and Luca Verbeeck is a building located in the Bo Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town, known for its multicultural history and colorful architecture. The lofts feature sustainable and natural materials, including COCO-MAT mattresses and Oregon pine wood. The building underwent a renovation process and the result is a space that showcases the history. The location is central and walking distance to restaurants and shops in Bree Street and Kloof Street.
Simoné Esterhuizen
