Amidst the beautiful mountainside of Cape Town, South Africa lies a spectacular modern house, rewarded in 2011 with the prestigious Best Design Award by CIA Awards for Architecture. Designed by a local firm called Metropolis Design, this structure holds a multi- purpose building with a living, recreation and spa area.
According to the architects, “the house is conceived of as a hovering set of elements, suspended over a large waterscape, which forms an extended terrace on the mountainside. Water constitutes the primary experience of the building. The floor planes are arranged to provide contrasting experiences of water, and the underwater spa with large viewing windows into the pool has a sense of stillness and mystery. Formally, the building comprises a number of separate sculptural forms in a dynamic composition. The base of the building, incorporating pools, relaxation rooms and guest accommodation is entirely of concrete. The superstructure is of steel construction, which is clad in afromosia shiplap boards on timber studwork.”
The house uses a lot of wood in its structure as the finishing for its’ façade and grills for its’ wide window panel. The same color of wood was used in the floor as well.
The whole design is somewhat a retake on the Bauhaus movement, but more modern in many design aspects and elements. Neutral colored upholstery was used for the furniture, making it standout and providing a soothing break from all the wood and glass.
A lot of wide frameless glass windows were incorporated to make the most of the spectacular mountain view.
Beautiful natural marble was used for the bathrooms and spa area.
Article by Marilen Faustino-Montenegro
Info and Photos by CAPE DREAM STAY and METROPOLIS DESIGN