Light play

By Teya Esterhuizen, Project Consultant and Property Coordinator Monique Rankine, Photographer Nic Baleta

There is something quite special about a home that allows for a sense of spaciousness and light, coupled with comfort and practicality. For the home owner, these characteristics were a central theme in the planning and design of her estate home.

“We envisioned a light, bright, open space with a central open-plan living area that would enable the family to engage in its own activities, yet still be close enough to chat to one another with ease,” she says.

The central living space has been created using high-volume ceilings and elements of polished concrete, exposed brick, silver-grey wood and touches of dark grey-blue, evocative of a moody Highveld thunderstorm. The organic-feel tiles throughout the home were selected by the architect who also came up with the idea of the neolith.

“Her forward thinking enabled us to ensure that a massive 65-inch television in an open space wasn’t an eyesore. The neolith is not only beautiful to look at, but also interesting to touch,” the owner says.

Another strong statement piece is the floating staircase, which, according to the owner, has evoked many a conversation. Crafted in wood, with a balustrade constructed with a series of grey steel poles, its straight, sleek lines continue the theme of minimalism and understated sophistication.

The shutters, too, are a major feature. Allowing the look of the house to change depending on their placement, they provide much-needed privacy from the close proximity of neighbouring homes.

It’s not hard to see why the owner’s favourite room in the house is the main bedroom. Cavernous, light and open, it boasts vast panes of glass that look out onto the ground floor of the home, as well as to the horizon.

As the elements of architectural design were beautiful in themselves, when it came to furnishing the house, understated pieces were chosen to complement the existing framework. “Whatever we chose needed to be functional and practical to suit our lifestyle.”

Living on an eco-estate with more than 27km of running and cycling tracks, the home owners love the healthy, outdoor lifestyle that it offers. But being indoors is just as entertaining.

“I really enjoy the amount of light we get in every space in the home, from morning until sunset. The shadows the light creates are phenomenal, allowing every space and room to change at different times of the day,” the owner says.