A young designer from Stellenbosch has been appointed to bring her unique expertise in underwater interior design to an ambitious new development in one of the most remote locations on the planet.
Thandiwe Dlamini, born and raised in Stellenbosch, has been hired by Nemo Heights to design the interiors of the residences at Nemo Heights – an unprecedented luxury residential project planned for Point Nemo, 4 000 m beneath the ocean surface.
After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design from Stellenbosch University in 2021, Dlamini moved to Cape Town to further her studies, completing an MA in Interior and Spatial Design at the Michaelis School of Fine Art. During her university years, she developed a distinctive and forward-thinking research focus. Her thesis explored innovative design for luxury yachts and cruise ships, earning her an opportunity to work in Italy with Costa Crociere.
Reflecting on her career so far, the 29-year-old said: “I’m already at work and I think I can create something truly unique. This is a huge recognition for me – I thank my parents for all the sacrifices they made. Stellenbosch taught me to look beyond the ordinary. Bringing that perspective to Nemo Heights feels like taking a piece of home into the deep sea.”
The Nemo Heights project originates from a dream: it was inspired by George Heights, an engineer in the Apollo programme during the 1960s. Today, Heights’ vision has been reinterpreted by his sons Robert and James as a new frontier of human exploration, scheduled to be operational by 2029, with a self-sufficient underwater ecosystem combining ocean technology and advanced sustainability.
Promoted as “The Deepest Luxury,” Nemo Heights will accommodate 400 residents and feature state-of-the-art technologies. The development promises “existential tourism”, including deep-sea expeditions to discover bioluminescent Pacific Ocean life.
Dlamini will be responsible for creating the interior spaces, blending luxurious living with the unique challenges and opportunities of deep-sea habitation, turning her academic research into one of the most innovative architectural projects of the decade. Her appointment highlights how creative talent from Stellenbosch is making an impact on the global stage.
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