What was the brief?
Waterside is situated in a nine-story beachside apartment building in Clifton, Cape Town. Interior design studio ARRCC, in collaboration with Karen Stanek from KS Designs, had the task of merging emphasis on celebrating the entrance. The client wanted a timeless design that doesn’t become outdated. The objectives were to improve the flow and maximize the natural light by ensuring a response to the location and setting, by opening up the interior to the view. The project had a unique identity being the client’s extensive artwork collection and ensuring the interior design complemented the various art pieces.
Towards the front of the apartments, ARRCC removed the slab to create a fully glazed double-volume central living space that opens onto a sea-facing balcony, inviting natural light deep into the interior. A grand entrance, relocated to the top floor, now overlooks the living space for a radically different spatial experience offering glimpses of the ocean beyond.
What were the key challenges?
Structural changes: The transformation of the small apartment into a bigger space with double-volume ceilings. Columns were concealed to be built into existing architecture, in order to shape the space
Maximizing natural light: The space to feel as uncluttered as possible, the services and fittings were meant to be as concealed as possible – conscious use of strip lighting and white.
What materials did you choose and why?
Natural materials such as marble and timber have been selected to evoke the surrounding environment. Other features, such as the wave-like wall at the entrance, are finished in simple plaster and paint to emphasize their form.
The bedrooms and bathrooms are finished in calm, sophisticated neutrals, including limed oak and a classical combination of black-and-white marble, in contrast with the pops of colour and pattern in the social spaces.
The timber wall cladding has been designed to accommodate concealed lighting, which washes it and accentuates it as a feature throughout the day. The grains were expressed and were installed at different angles to allow for a variance in texture.
Use of green and oxidized metal in fixed elements throughout the apartment, which act as a subtle accent resembling the materials found along the shore. (Green marble, Bar Area, Fireplace, and in some Powder Rooms)
Team:
Interior Design and Architecture: ARRCC
Interior Décor: Karen Stanek Designs
Photo credit: Greg Cox and Emma Jackson collaboration
Material Used:
1. 'Fire & Ice' lighting ceiling chandelier - Stephen Pikus
2. Dining table - OKHA
3. Ribbon Wall installation - Louw Roets
4. Carpets - Paco Rugs
5. Bar stools - OKHA
6. Hola dining chairs by Cassina - True Design
7. Rio coffee table by Cassina - True Design
8. UMTHI Floor lamp - Meyer von Wielligh
9. Jeppestown bench - David Krynauw
10. Flooring – Lime Washed Oggie Timber Flooring, Noble Gray Marble, Large Format Masai Blanco porcelain tiles
11. Interior lighting – Leds, Art lights, down lights by Made Studio – Martin Doller
