Luxury family living

Once again South African design firms SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects and ANTONI ASSOCIATES have shared another of their projects. Luxury family living. I'll let them explain ...

The brief was to create a home for an extended Johannesburg family. Situated in Houghton on a gentle slope, the site is surrounded by trees and has views from the upper levels.

The site was split into two separate sites organised around a common entrance and driveway providing access to both houses. The houses have a U-shaped configuration organised around an internal courtyard and allows access to all of the living spaces and the swimming pool.

A perforated wall separates the public forecourt from the private spaces. Internally the spaces pivot around a central volume with a ribbon like spiral stair. The living spaces, kitchen and private garden are to the north, while the games room, pool and gym are to the west. All of these spaces connect to the courtyard which in turn connects back to the main house and its living spaces.

Because of the west facing facade, a set of large shutters, which drop below the level of the first floor slab, provide shade and protection from the setting sun. Care was also taken in selecting performance-glass that would minimise the impact of direct sun. The bedrooms and study are on the upper level. The passage to the children's bedroom runs along the perforated wall that separates the building from the driveway.

ANTONI ASSOCIATES were appointed to create a contemporary interior which needed to reflect their family lifestyle. The decor and furniture selected are modern and have strong lines to complement the linear architecture. A number of bespoke furniture pieces were designed by OKHA Interiors. Neutral palettes with accent colours have been used throughout. Strong graphic rugs add drama and texture to the rooms which offset against the solid architectural surfaces. Curated art by South African artists amongst others Lyndi Sales and Philip Barlow have been placed throughout the house.

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Barefoot luxury

New from South African interior designer firm ANTONI ASSOCIATES. A family home in Pearl Valley Golf Estate located near Paarl, just 30 minutes away from Cape Town. With the initial house design by Gauteng based architect Gardiol Bergenthuin, the owners wanted the interior designers to create a modern family home with the emphasis on barefoot luxury. The boundary between interior and exterior is blurred with the house centred on a courtyard with reflective pond and natural finishes provide a foil to custom designed furniture. It's contemporary and clean lined with a casual luxury. Sophisticated yet tough enough for a young family.

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Celebrating the view

If I only posted the first photo, if I had blurred the watermark, if this was a pop quiz on architects whose work features regularly on Desire to Inspire then I think we would all be able to yell out the correct answer. If there is one design firm that can fulfil the fantasy of the ultimate outdoor oasis then that would be  SAOTA - Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects. With sites that clammer for clever solutions and views that dominate any design decision this South African architectural studio embraces the site restraint, celebrates the dynamic vistas and creates a seamless indoor outdoor transition.  Sleek, contemporary with casual luxury. Victoria 73, Bantry Bay, Cape Town by interior design by SAOTA and OKHA Interiors.

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Concrete sophistication

New from SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects & Antoni Associates. A sophisticated take on the beach house vernacular.

"The brief called for a beach house suitable for a family of four, on a vacant site in Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, RSA. The site is a long thin rectangular subdivision stretching from the sun facing street and mountain side to the undulating tree tops of the milkwoods and fynbos and the coastline on the South.

The gently sloping site presented the opportunity for a split-level living space allowing lounge, dining to be placed above the bedrooms on the ground level, all enjoying dramatic sea views. The double volume family room and kitchen form the heart of the home and form the connection between the sea facing accommodation and the internal sunny terraces, pool and garden. The main garden courtyard functions as a large wind free and sunny outdoor entertainment environment.

Materials were selected to enhance the beach-house character of the building while at the same time adding touches of sophisticated detail: white cement screed floors to the public circulation areas; lime washed oak floors to the lounge, dining area and lower-ground floor bedrooms; off shutter concrete ceilings; and external timber decks and pergolas, cladding, screens and shutters providing security, privacy and protection."

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Maison Estate

I've booked a table. The one outside under the tree. Food and wine and good company and a heavenly setting. The vineyard, the restaurant and tasting room in a converted farm cottage. Maison Estate at Franschhoek in the Valley of the Huguenots in South Africa. I don't think it can get any better.

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