Photography by James Harris for Trimble Sketchup
The Collector's Lounge by Tola Ojuolape Studio
HOSPITALITY PROJECTS
At Somerset House, within the historic shell of the West Wing, Tola Ojuolape Studio reimagines the idea of a lounge as something far more considered, a space not simply to sit, but to feel, observe and engage. Created for Collect and presented in partnership with Trimble SketchUp, the Collector’s Lounge is conceived as a living environment where craft and interior architecture dissolve into one continuous experience.
What defines the space immediately is its material presence. Walls are constructed from modular blocks of recycled wood wool, forming a soft yet architectural surface that feels both tactile and rhythmic. The repetition of these pale green units creates a sense of calm structure, while their depth introduces shadow and variation as light moves across the room. It is not a flat backdrop, but an active participant in the atmosphere.
Set against this textured landscape, the furniture introduces a gentle contrast. Upholstered in warm, muted tones, soft peach, camel and blush, seating elements feel grounded and inviting. Their low, linear forms encourage stillness, while the palette softens the geometry of the room. There is a quiet confidence in this restraint, a sense that nothing is overworked or overexplained.
The space is curated with intention rather than decoration. Glass objects and sculptural works sit within the architecture itself, embedded into ledges and surfaces so that they appear discovered rather than placed. Light plays a crucial role here, catching translucent materials and allowing them to shift subtly throughout the day. The result is a slow reveal, where objects reward attention over time.
A sheer voile curtain gently defines the bar area, introducing a moment of softness and permeability. It acts less as a divider and more as a veil, allowing the space to remain connected while offering a sense of intimacy. This layering of openness and enclosure reflects the broader concept of the lounge, a place that balances social interaction with quiet reflection.
Digital and analogue processes sit side by side in its creation. Designed using Trimble SketchUp, the project demonstrates how technology can support, rather than replace, craft-led thinking. Spatial relationships, material junctions and scale were refined through digital modelling, allowing the final environment to feel both precise and intuitive.
For OLISE, the Collector’s Lounge is a study in material honesty and emotional clarity. It is bold in its simplicity, immersive without excess, and deeply attuned to how we experience space. A room that invites you to slow down, to look closer, and to rediscover the quiet power of craft.
