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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. House Tat in Bassonia, Johannesburg by Nico van der Meulen ArchitectsFebruary 2nd, 2013 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Nico van der Meulen Architects When arriving at House Tat, the visitor can immediately understand the magnificence of this project, for the five storey house was redesigned and ingeniously transformed into a contemporary home.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects
 Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The architect, Rudolph van der Meulen from Nico van der Meulen Architects, explains that the teams had to work on an existing structure and creativity allowed them to redesign the existing space making the most of natural light and the stunning views.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The contemporary makeover was given to the entire building: from the street to the east façade one can enjoy the modern feel thanks to the use of concrete, steel and glass. Sun control became key element of the design and the main architectural feature, since the building is mostly facing east.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The northern and western façades are screened by the use of vertical louvres to allow sun control and degrees of privacy from adjacent properties. Northern sunlight enters the interiors through new double-volume glazing in the main staircase shaft, while pipe pendant lights from renowned designer Tom Dixon add a touch of luxury and visually connect the volume with the staircase below.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The front door opens up onto the dramatic views beyond the upstairs entertainment room, while frameless stacking glass doors blur the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Public and private space have been vertically divided, with the entry level being the most public with an entertainment area that opens up to a covered balcony, a study, a bar-lounge as well as a meeting room for business visitors.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The home develops at the lower level (4th level) with the kitchen, dining hall, family room and the guest suites. The entertainment area and the children rooms are situated one floor lower, at the 3rd level. Here there is a private TV home theatre, a covered terrace with the pool deck, and the main suite on a mezzanine level.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects Finally, on the ground floor one finds a gym, home spa, hobby room and the squash court as well as a wine cellar and tasting room. With limited garden space, the various balconies and the large covered terrace floating above the raised pool deck encourage outdoor life while taking full advantage of the magnificent views.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects Rudolf explains that the main suite enjoys the best position on the site, which is the north east corner: “This allowed us to create a glass box that makes the most of the nature reserve views and northern sunlight, while still being private from the rest of the house”.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects The architectural style is complemented by the contemporary interior design, which was developed taking into account the ambience of a city pad with the main focus turned to the views.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects Phia van der Meulen, of M Square Lifestyle Design explains: “The objective was to create a space that the home owner could identify with, while optimising the omnipresent and engulfing view”.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects Window coverings have been kept to a bare minimum with retractable roller blinds tucked into ceiling cavities to accentuate the contemporary nature of the house. Modern and minimalistic furniture was specifically kept low so as to not obstruct the view, which becomes a background horizon of city lights.  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects  Image Courtesy Nico van der Meulen Architects
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Tags: Bassonia, Johannesburg Category: House |
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