By Rami Moorosi, Project Consultant Anine Ehlers, Photography Barry Goldman and David Ross
The architect, Nico van der Meulen, interpreted this brief by creating a very unique home that can be described as a glass playground for both adults and children.
Nico explains the design of the structure: “I created a horseshoe-shaped building, with all rooms facing a central raised glass Koi pond as a focal point in the open northern side of the horseshoe.” The ingenuity of the building is not only evident in the aesthetics but also in the way it has been designed according to passive energy principles. For instance, on the warmest day the chimney effect of heat rising is used to make it possible to cool the house without air conditioning as the airflow over the indoor and outdoor pools cools the air sufficiently.
Experts from Radiant Glass Concepts were responsible for some of the glass work which included the skylights along with the stainless steel and glass structure over the indoor swimming pool, the Regal Glide frameless internal sliding doors to the kitchen and main bathroom area, the flat traversable skylights and internal glass floors.
When it comes to the interior design, designer Phia van der Meulen explains that the owners wanted a timeless design that utilised marble, wood, stainless steel and glass. The staircase, for example, is a stainless steel and glass structure floating above the water feature without any visible support.
In terms of the layout, the north and east-facing wing of the horseshoe incorporates the dining room, family room, lanai, indoor pool, play room, bar and gymnasium. This is also wrapped in frameless folding or sliding doors, enabling the total area to be opened up as a verandah. From the indoor pool a spiral staircase leads up to a balcony outside the private lounge to the main suite. At the core of the building the architects created an open atrium overlooked by the kitchen, breakfast room and family room, surrounded by the same frameless folding doors.
Located upstairs are the children’s bedroom suites, each with their own dressing room, bathroom, and balcony. The main bedroom suite is luxurious and contains a private lounge with a gas fireplace and kitchenette, bedroom, dressing rooms, bathroom and balcony.
This home of distinction is the epitome of true contemporary architecture, merging inside and outside spaces to give it a harmonious effect that envelopes all those who set foot into this imposing residence.
