design project
PREVIOUS PAGE: A view of the rear of the building showing all three storeys lit up from the inside. The expansive terrace lawn overlooks the city of Cape Town ABOVE: The three storey spiral staircase takes centre stage in the family sitting room which leads onto the swimming pool and terrace area through large glass doors
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he picturesque views out across the wide bay of Cape Town in South Africa are some of the most panoramic - and spectacular - in the world. But if you were to turn back away from these, nestled high in the rocks you’d catch a glimpse of a bright, angular home that takes the breath away. Originally built over a decade ago by Cape Town architects SAOTA, the home’s new owners looked to urban designers ARRCC to completely renovate the building, and also asked them to increase the level of accommodation within it. Understandably, this was not without its challenges. One of the main conceptual issues the team faced was trying to balance the original, almost Art Deco mood with the more modern rewrite. The decision was taken to add a third floor to create the desired extra room,
134 Bridge for Design Summer 2017
which obviously altered the overall impression of the revitalized home considerably. However, when approaching the entrance, located at the rear, the cream coloured edifice before you gives nothing away of what lies beyond. There’s the detail in the vertical screens that fold away, but they merely hint at a subtle continuation mirrored inside. ‘Organic’ is definitely a buzzword throughout this home. There are rounded walls in the foyer that greets visitors, and circular motifs are continued in the nearmodular coffee lounge, in the stunning spiral staircase even on the roof. It’s a succession of rooms that flow into one another. In the first lounge, Knoll Platner side chairs and mercury light fittings by Artemide Skydro Soffitto further emphasise the fluid form of the home. Moving closer to the staircase, a secret is revealed,