location: Fresnaye, Cape Town | architecture: Kotlowitz Marais Architects / Understanding Design | interior design: Francois Du Plessis | landscaping: Soul Gardens | photography: Wieland Gleich
This singular project on the Atlantic Seaboard involved the remodelling of an existing house, built about 20 years ago. Situated near the top of a secluded cul-de-sac, high up in Fresnaye, it enjoys spectacular views of the ocean, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
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- The extensive use of decking combined with the water-wise landscaping makes for a home that requires very little maintenance.
The result is a family home with an emphasis on entertaining and casual living. Unrestricted flow from interior to exterior is enabled by expansive covered patios offering 360o vistas. The brief from the owners was to create a contemporary and secure home that would represent the finest aspects of Atlantic Seaboard lifestyle.
Says architect Ben Kotlowitz: ‘The clients’ prerequisite was for a no fuss, easy living home; they offered us a free hand, but wanted the vistas to be most important. And they didn’t want to include any jarring colours that might compete with the natural exterior palette; there was also a timeframe we had to adhere to. Other prerequisites were to cater for frequent entertaining, so we used robust materials that are easily maintained. Lastly they travel regularly so the house had to be easy to lock up and leave.
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- Eco-conscious features incorporated here include both solar and heat pump water heating technologies, while a sophisticated LED lightning system ensures that electrical demand is minimised.
‘Seen from the exterior, the façade comprises a series of rectangular forms that respond to the views while creating interior interest through apertures that frame them. They help to direct the experience of living in the house as a series of events, rather than merely being within a glass structure that exposes the occupants to the sun, and to neighbouring properties.’
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- Surfaces within the multipurpose reception areas and exterior reaction spaces are easily maintained. The stairwell is light and unobtrusive, yet creates a key focal point.
The result is a 450 square metre structure set over three storeys on a 500 square metre plot. The lower floor comprises garaging, a home theatre, plus a covered terrace leading to an outdoor pool deck and spa bath – an area that enjoys spectacular views of Lion’s Head.
The middle floor houses the main living components; a spacious white concrete-topped open plan kitchen with separate scullery leads to an entertainer-friendly dining area. Beyond is the living space, which is able to be contiguous or screened off from a TV / family room by means of a full height sliding / folding
door system.
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- The upper level comprises four bedrooms with the main suite enjoying a private balcony perched as an eyrie / lookout point for ever-changing ocean vistas.
For the full article see Habitat #263 January / February 2018
