Location
Located in the centre of one of South Africa's major cities, on an exclusive and unique Golf estate. Offering unique privacy, secluded from the intrusions of others.
The main concepts revolve around issues of luxury, comfort, security, privacy and symbolism.
The house is orientated around a central dominant form enclosed by the only pitched roof, flanked by two split gables. This fissured structure sets the concept in motion providing a spine, off which several flat roofed boxes are 'attached'. The steeply sloped site undulates towards a dramatic articulated landscape with spectacular views to the north and east, across a flowing river valley.
The concept of framed Zen views captures the stark beauty of the setting in a controlled manner as the visitor is led through the house. The continuous play between structure and landscape is encapsulated by the growth of box forms from the landscape interacting with the house as the garden 'jumps' onto the house in the form of sky gardens on large accessible balconies, where ultimately the visitor is treated to a panoramic view stretching almost to the ocean.
'Green' issues were key in the design of the house. Solar panels integrated into the design provide hot water for geysers and feeds the underfloor water heating. Rainwater is harvested for irrigation purposes. Passive design considerations include the orientation, with predominantly north and east facing windows. All north facing windows have 30% filtered glazing and are shielded by horizontal sunscreens. All windows facing west and south have translucent glazing. Low energy light fittings are implemented in the lighting strategy, combining fluorescent, incandescent and LED downlighters and strip lighting.
The house makes use of extensive pioneering technology for its location. A central C-bus home automation system regulates the house, enabling the occupants to make several choices, ranging from CD selections, lighting scenarios and views from the outside cameras.
A journey through this home is an unforgettable experience, uplifting the soul and senses to heightened levels of creativity and authenticity. Undeniably the finest, secure, luxury home in the Eastern Cape.