By Rami Moorosi, Project Consultant Sharon Richards, Photography Karl Rogers
Located on an exclusive golf estate in the East Rand, Gauteng, this home was built to cater for a modern lifestyle and to enhance its inhabitant’s way of life by incorporating the nearby picturesque landscapes into the interiors.
Architect Francois Marais, of Francois Marais Architects, goes on to explain: “The client wanted a design with clean modern lines that was a lock-up-and-go type of residence.” Francois fulfilled his client’s requirements as this home has large masses of glass that create seamless outdoor and indoor living spaces.
One of the challenges during the design phase was the fact that the site was tapered, with a north entry and a view to the south. This had an influence on the architecture. Francois had to resolve the complex lines of the site with simple block shapes on plan. The northern light was also introduced using concrete sloping roofs to scoop light into the bedrooms, which are located to the south and hold a side view.
The top and bottom floors facing the lake consist of virtually only glass. On the ground floor these can be opened completely, an excellent touch as this allows the interior spaces to flow outside to gracefully invite the exterior surroundings into the home.
The interiors continue the contemporary theme of the architectural style with clean lines that result in uncluttered spaces. This has been further accentuated with a simple yet striking colour scheme that uses black and white combinations and shades. Working closely with interior designers from Visual Interiors, the home owner was able to create spaces that exude a sophisticated and elegant look. A warm atmosphere was created by accent and feature lighting in areas such as the bar, living room, kitchen and double volume areas.
In line with the minimalist style of the house, both the kitchen and bathroom are furnished with just the essentials. Choosing quality over quantity has resulted in fully functional areas that ensure easy movement, and that will remain timeless in their aesthetic appeal. Again the move to be ecologically-conscious is evident in the kitchen, through the incorporation of gas appliances. The simple designs of the bathroom and kitchen accentuated the understated look portrayed by this home.
With its unique design and setting this home caters for its owner’s lifestyle requirements and more.
STEELWORX 082 940 8225 Steelworx specialises in stainless steel production. The company has its own manufacturing plant on the East Rand, Johannesburg. The small family-owned business prides itself on workmanship and the prompt service it offers. Using only top quality materials, Steelworx designs and manufactures products according to its valued clients’ needs. For this project the company used glass tinted in a cool grey shade that complements the stainless steel balustrading.
CHAD-O-CHEF 011 668 1910/1 The owner of this home added value to the outdoor entertainment area with the Chad-O-Chef gas braai in quality brushed stainless steel. The company prides itself on supplying valued clients with high-quality products with a three-year guarantee and a comprehensive spares backup. Chad-O-Chef braais are available in both LP Gas and natural gas options.
Summer place spas and baths 011 463 7775 The Quanta Lounger inground spa from Summer Place Spas and Baths is designed to give the most spa comfort, with the least waste of space. Ideal for symmetrical or angle-walled settings, this attractive unit boasts a lounger as well – making the Quanta Lounger one of Summer Place’s top sellers.
PATIO WAREHOUSE 012 657 9400 This functional and elegant outdoor dining set from the Rasta range was supplied by Patio Warehouse. The table is made from aluminium with a milk glass top while the chairs are aluminium with black textilene – an excellent choice as this is both rust and maintenance- free. Patio Warehouse prides itself on providing valued, discerning clients with a wide variety of high quality imported and locally-manufactured patio furniture as well as accessories, made exclusively for the company.
SMART LIVING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS 011 425 4968 Smart Living Automation Systems installed the C-Bus home automation system which controls the lighting, geysers, underfloor heating and alarm system. The company also installed the Cambridge home entertainment system in the TV room which has a Polk surround bar and Energy subwoofer. The home entertainment system is also connected to the Cambridge distributed AV system with remote controlled in-ceiling speakers in the kitchen, bar and on the patio. Black C-Bus Neo switches, controlled with remote controls, are used throughout the house to complement its modern design and blend in with other services.
ITALTILE BRYANSTON 011 510 9000 All taps, sanitaryware, bathroom furniture and accessories were provided by Italtile Bryanston, in addition to client consultation. To achieve a minimalistic look, the lines in the bathroom were accentuated by raising the cabinets off the ground and using free-standing bath tubs. These lines were further enhanced by complementary taps and accessories.
STEELWORX 082 940 8225 Steelworx manufactured and installed the stainless steel glass balustrading in and around this home. The stainless steel balustrading has 50mm stanchions and 30mm x 60mm rectangular top rails. The company also designed and assembled the dining room table and statue found in the study. This impressive work of art is completely hand cut, and welded and designed exclusively by Mark Liebenberg.
SAN MARCO TILE CENTER 011 918 3800 San Marco Tile Centre enhanced this home with Jewel silver prate (silver) tiles from the DecoTile range – these are also available in white and gold. The floor tiles are glazed porcelain which are available in different tonalities of beige and other colours. For the walls the company used glazed porcelain grey, also available in other colours
SMEG SOUTH AFRICA 011 444 6988 Smeg is renowned for its innovation, architectural style and superb engineering. Smeg retains its leading edge in the worldwide market through total dedication to the design and manufacturing of specialist appliances. The company is dedicated to the marrying of style with function. With its sleek, stylish European looks and smart, up-to-the-minute finishes, Smeg appliances immediately stand out in terms of design and functionality.
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