The site is located on a prominent golf estate in Johannesburg, positioned overlooking a golf course fairway. Views are east and access is taken from the north. The land is predominantly flat rising up slightly towards the south-eastern most corner overlooking the golf course.
The clients, a young family of 6 were looking for a very modern, simple and understated yet striking home to meet their unique aspirational and functional requirements.
The homeowner, a motor enthusiast, was looking to be able to work on or clean his vehicle collection in complete privacy from the street and golf course but at the same time afford him the opportunity to view and enjoy his passion from within the privacy of his home.
The idea of the motor court was born and became the founding and guiding design principle of this home. The design then evolved around the motor court whilst taking into consideration the access, the orientation, views and the clients brief.
The architectural approach of the firm, evident in this building is very apparent: simple, honest architecture connected to nature and characterized by modern lines softened by warm, natural materials, colours and textures.
The home is characterized by two floating boxes of predominantly bedroom suites which appear to hover over the ground floor planes, reminiscent of the modernist masters such as Mies van der Rohe in form and contemporary Brazilian masters such as Marcio Kogan in materiality.
Solid hardwood cladding and sliding screens provide softness, texture, warmth and contrast whilst also providing privacy and control for the prevailing winds on the two public and more exposed facades of the building.
A monochromatic approach to colour provides a simple, muted canvas which creates the opportunity for subtle contrasts with the natural timber and off-shutter concrete elements.
The other family passion is kitchen activities and as such the kitchen takes pride of place between garden and feature pond, connected to the main living spaces and facing the swimming pool, garden and view.
Main suite and main living space both occupy the prime corner of the site taking advantage of the incredible views whilst pool pavilion sits raised up from the primary ground floor level by a few steps to capitalize on its vantage point intentionally situated on the very highest point of the site.
Design principles carry through the interior and landscape of the home, which reinforce the vision and make for a more coherent, complete and uncompromised composition.
