The owners approached ARRCC to focus on the interior design of all the internal spaces. Led by architect, Mark Rielly, some architectural changes were proposed to elevate the project as well as to capture the brief of the clients to create an interior that was modern but with an emphasis on ‘barefoot luxury’ and the use of natural materials.
The house has been designed around a central landscaped courtyard with a reflective pond. Sliding and stacking doors open from all the surrounding living and entertainment spaces, and add to the transparency of the house and its natural surrounds. On entering the house, one crosses a foyer bridge which is flanked by wet-walls cascading down ribbon-stone clad feature walls.
The formal lounge is a large double-volume cathedral-like space with a trussed ceiling which is overlooked by the mezzanine study situated above the formal dining room. Balance is created with the symmetry of feature fireplaces at either end. In the formal sitting area, the wood fireplace extends into the double volume and has been dressed with stacked timber logs. The dining area features a horizontal strip-fireplace which has been placed level with the dining table. The gas-flame is reflected against the beaten stainless steel inset which adds to the sensory mood of the space. A feature hooped-glass chandelier cascades over the waney-edge French oak table made from solid wood planks.
Linking the formal areas to the entertainment rooms that are located a few steps down; the kitchen also looks out onto the central courtyard. The kitchen is modern and has been neatly fitted with integrated appliances and seamless finishes. Here raw concrete ceilings contrast with the more natural finishes selected elsewhere. Custom designed soft leather and steel barstools from OKHA Interiors provide seating around the central island. A floating stair finished in Caesarstone slabs leads up to the sleeping level with four en-suite bedrooms.
The family entertainment level flows out onto the front terrace and infinity pool that overlooks the 7th fairway. This part of the house incorporates a number of entertainment areas such as family TV lounge, an indoor grill and casual dining, which is linked to a bar adjacent to the courtyard. To emphasize the casual mood of these areas a feature slatted timber ceiling was designed and gives the feeling that one is sitting on a veranda or under a garden pergola. Both the fireplace in the family room and the grill on the opposite side has been clad in oak planks. Timber “weaver-nest” Obeche Lites from Animal Farm has been clustered over the casual table and benches.
Floating steps over the reflective pond lead to the bar area, which has a decked spa overlooking the pool. Here the surrounding decking has been wrapped up a side wall which incorporates a TV for watching sporting events. The bar area is also linked to an outdoor “boma”, which is a casual enclosure with a seating area around a fire-pit. The homeowners often enjoy African safaris and wanted to re-create the “boma” experience of luxury safari camps.
The same sensory pleasure and use of textured finishes have been used in the upstairs bedrooms. Timber wall cladding has been introduced in the en-suite bathrooms which add layered warmth and understated luxury to the washrooms.
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Design by ARRCC
