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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 in Blair Atholl, South Africa by Nico Van Der Meulen ArchitectsJuly 5th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Nico Van Der Meulen Architects The double volume entrance hall completely surrounded by glass, draws you in as it’s bordered by two double garages on either side. The symmetry of the timber wrapped garages highlights the transparency of the house as views of the garden captivate you even before you have entered. Enveloped in natural wood, the garage doors disappear into a timber wall paying tribute to Werner’s ability to transform the everyday ordinary into an extra ordinary design feature.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts
 Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts Once inside you become witness to how effortlessly the open plan spaces flow into each other with the living room, dining room, kitchen and lanai all in close proximity to each other. The frameless folding doors create an invisible threshold between the inside and the outside and when completely open, the lanai becomes an extension of the kitchen and family/dining and vice versa.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts The spacious lanai accommodates a braai, bar and seating area making it ideal for entertaining while the swimming pool is integral into the design of the lanai and even extends beneath the cantilevered floor slabs. The floating roof seems to rest on a wall of glass while the slightly elevated lanai encourages landscaped terraces to connect the house to the countryside.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts The unapologetic floating timber staircase becomes a grand feature which floats above the floor plane as the natural stone cladded wall forms the perfect backdrop for the sculptural masterpiece by Regardt van der Meulen. A bridge with frameless glass balustrade connects the two wings of the house while also maintaining a sense of privacy for the main bedroom which is located on the Eastern wing of the house.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts All the rooms have been organized around the double volume living space which becomes central to the family’s lifestyle. The two en-suite kid’s bedrooms are positioned on the western wing with their own private balconies.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts M Square Lifestyle Design were appointed to ensure this same environment of warmth and comfort filtered through into the interior spaces. It was of utmost importance that the interior spaces and finishes remained true to the architecture of the home thus emphasizing the modern clean lines and natural materials used throughout this house.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts Ensuring that these requirements were achieved, M Square Lifestyle Design set out to incorporate natural materials like timber, steel, stone, concrete and glass into the interiors of the home, which facilitated in seamlessly blending it in with the estate’s country themed environment. Making use of these materials created a textured and unique interior all the while aiding in the flow of spaces inside and outside. This seamless visual incorporation of the exterior flowing into the interior, along with the linear design elements, allowed the space to further remain practical and uncluttered.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts The Scullery, Wine Cellar and Guest WC are strategically concealed behind shop-fitted components enabling a simple contemporary interior. The kitchen counter doubles up as a server for both the kitchen and the lanai whilst its glass base creates the impression that it’s floating.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts The design of the main bedroom incorporates a private lounge, en suite bathroom and a discreetly screened walk in dressing room. The tinted glass screen gracefully offers privacy for the dressing room while adding an element of luxury with its high gloss finish. The private lounge overflows onto a large private balcony with magnificent views of the countryside. The main bed is perfectly positioned in a recessed niche lined with textured wallpaper creating an intimate setting.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts M Square Lifestyle Design and Nico van der Meulen Architects have flawlessly merged the interior with the exterior, while M Square Lifestyle Necessities’ supply of contemporary furniture, sourced from the finest international brands, completes the home’s luxurious look.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts This results in visual continuity between every room and every aspect of the home, which ultimately lends itself to the family being able to interact from every space in the home.  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts  Image Courtesy © David Ross and Barend Roberts
Contact Nico Van Der Meulen Architects
Tags: Blair Atholl, South Africa Categories: House, Residential |
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