Richard Stretton

Richard Stretton started Koop Design in 1999. After his Bachelor of Architecture his first projects were 2 game lodges in Northern KZN. He lived on-site in remote settings and built the buildings and furniture by hand. In 2001 Richard developed a lodge unit that was prefabricated in a workshop and installed in the bush in a few weeks, ensuring as little impact to the environment as possible. This grew Koop’s design ethos - to produce buildings and products that are environmentally sensitive and energy efficient. A crossover between architectural and furniture design informs Koop’s work; the furniture is approached structurally and the architecture may be assembled like large pieces of furniture. Koop furniture began in Richard’s home where he handmade his designs. When demand increased he started a commercial workshop and opened his shop, Koop, in Glenwood, Durban. In 2004 Koop won an Elle Decoration Design award for its kitchen organ unit. Architectural projects include residences in the Midlands and private game reserves around the country, Durban’s first bar-lounge on a pier for Moyo and the redevelopment of the Addington amenity on Durban's beachfront.