The client’s fondness of mid 20th century modernism inspired the overall design of this open plan glass and concrete house, which also features a music room for the family to play musical instruments, and a dance studio for the children. Due to the slope of the stand; a large basement was designed on the lower side of the property, creating a stepped effect on the stand.
A large reflective koi pond flows over a retaining wall next to the drive way, with an illuminated glass staircase behind a two storey curtain wall in the background.
The lift shaft forms a strong vertical element finished in rust behind the water feature, all of this is framed by a cantilevered concrete beam. The staircase behind the koi pond is a double glass construction complete with lights between the two layers of glass.
The front door is a frameless glass pivot door that leads into a double volume entrance hall and formal lounge with views across the lounge and pool into the garden beyond. A bridge suspended by steel cables connected to two lattice trusses in the roof space spans across this space.
The family room, breakfast room and kitchen is enclosed with frameless glass folding doors, making it possible to open it totally to the lanai, pool and outdoor bar.
A large oak tree was protected during the building operations and is a feature in both the kitchen and the main bathroom.
The team from M Square Lifestyle Design echoed the exterior wall colours of rusted steel internally by using orange and purple. and designed a false wall in the lounge to contain the fireplace and recessed, illuminated niches.
M Square Lifestyle Necessities opted for furniture by luxury brands; Molteni & C, Horm, Fantoni, Fontana Arte, Tom Dixon and Foscarini.
Status: Built
Location: Johannesburg, ZA
Firm Role: Architect