Nettleton 199 in Clifton, South Africa by SAOTA

Article source: SAOTA

1.  What is the size and measurement undercover of the house, and the entire stand/property?

Entire building area – 1624m²

Undercover balconies – 136m²

Site – 940m²

2. What existed before the land was purchased?

There was a small 60’s style house on the site with multiple floor level changes making it impossible to salvage.

Front elevation of the property from the ocean side, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

• Architects: SAOTA
• Project: Nettleton 199
• Location: Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
• Photography: Adam Letch
• Project Team: Greg Truen, Stefan Antoni, Teswill Sars
• Interior Design: OKHA Interiors
• Project Team: Jack Nieuwoudt
• Completion Date: 2011

Exterior view through the property from the mountain side, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

3. What was the brief that was given to you?

The brief was to create a building that maximised the connection with the view and the sea, create a garden on the mountain side of the site and to minimise views over neighbouring buildings. ‘The Client had a special request that the main living space was to be breath-taking and be able to accommodate major social functions,’ says partner Stefan Antoni.

4. How did you approach this brief?

The street level entrance hall is a dramatic, triple volume vertical gallery like space and provides a counterpoint to the living spaces on the levels above. The main Living level is reached by stair or glass lift which also goes directly to the Master Bedroom suite located on the upper most level. This Master Bedroom floats over into the double volume Living space with a striking soft s-curve cantilever. It is screened off from the Living Room double volume by a set of adjustable walnut shutters.

View from garden courtyard showing double volume & master bedroom mezzanine level, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

Main double volume entertainment level, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

The double volume Living level space is positioned on the second upper level connect the garden court to the east, the rear of the site and the mountain. This level enjoys 270 degree views from Lion’s Head at the rear to the Bantry Bay ridge on the North and the dramatic sea views over the Clifton beaches to the West. This double sided space is then able to have a wind free external space and reduces the heat load from the setting sun in the west by taking advantage of natural ventilation across the space.

A gentle split level allows the rear spaces to enjoy views over the front spaces, Pool Terrace and Pool. The pool deck is framed by a large Rheinzink clad buckle, which in addition to working as a sun shading device also adds drama to this terrace by creating a double height external space. The horizon pool creates a seamless connection to the ocean beyond. ‘With the doors opened the interior and exterior spaces connect seamlessly giving one the feeling of infinite space floating in the sky,’ comments partner Greg Truen. Bedrooms, family rooms, the gym and cinema are located on the lower levels and are all accessed by lift and stair.

Master view of the open plan & double volume entertainment & dining spaces going out onto the ocean terrace, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

Open plan dining & grass courtyard mountain side, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

The house is on several levels. An emotional and sensorial journey when moving through the house was created between the Architecture and the Interiors. The location, the incredible geography and astounding views provide drama at every turn. At the same time the interiors provide surprise as one moves from space to space. Moods shift and alter and emphasise the different roles of each zone, from private and secluded areas to generous entertainment spaces.

The building provides a volumetrically dramatic and dynamic interior space on a grand scale. The objective of the interior décor was to create a softer and intimate counterpoint whilst not jeopardizing the clean, geometric lines of the architecture. These elements can harmoniously co-exist and work off each other.

Family TV room, furniture client’s own, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

Double volume guest bedroom, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

By utilising a broad base of textures and finishes, the décor feels natural and subtly organic, comfort being of paramount importance at all times; the overall ambiance is one of calm and serenity. Colour is kept to a bare minimum, the interior works predominantly with a light and shade tonal range, allowing the exterior views, the mountain, the ocean and sky and also the artwork to bring in colour.

The furniture and lighting is predominantly a combination of select designs from the OKHA product range in conjunction with bespoke pieces that were designed specifically for the project. OKHA products are manufactured locally in South Africa and utilize only skilled local artisans and where-ever possible locally sourced materials.

view from the mezzanine level of the open plan formal lounge, Image Courtesy © Adam Letch

The canvas like slabs of pure white wall that mold and delineate the interior spaces also provide a consistent gallery feel throughout, as such art and sculpture played a pivotal role in personalizing the interior and acted as an inspirational interactive catalyst. 

5. Were there any specific problems, if so, what?

Working with the regulations was a major challenge! The main challenge was to organise the new living spaces in a way that allowed them to take advantage of the views of the mountain and the sea whilst being able to enjoy the north facing garden. 

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

6. Elaboration on the brief itself?

The brief was to create a new series of spaces for our clients to live in that take advantage of the site. 

7. Inspirations, i.e.: to use certain colours, materials, art, another country, for e.g.:  Morocco, modern, eclectic etc.?

The strongest decision was to use a dark color externally to make the building visually recede into the background. This has been very successful and the building has a surprisingly low impact on the mountain. The overall arrangement of the spaces is very simple and modern. 

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

8. What special features are present, e.g.: lighting, landscaping, something different and possibly any unusual architectural features?

We tried to express the junctions of all of the materials. Lighting is discreet and generally hidden. 

9. What did you want to achieve from the overall project, how was it approached? 

10. Who is the architect, can you get a comment from the architect/s if possible.

Comments above

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

11. Are the clients happy with the end result?

Yes, they’re very happy with the project. They were very involved with the project and it expresses their personalities very well. It’s a space that can be very social and busy or very calm and collected which suits them.

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

Image Courtesy © SAOTA

Tags: Clifton, South Africa

Categories: House, Residential

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