Built far from famous South African ocean views, this contemporary house in Blair Athol is great inspiration for everyone who dreams about luxurious contemporary farmhouses. Take a look what Nico van der Meulen architects did in Centurion and get some amazing ideas!
Contemporary house and views of the countryside
South African architecture office Nico van der Meulen Architects completed new project; a luxurious contemporary farmhouse which became an example of beautiful modern house designs. House in Blair Atholl is a contemporary house of 750 square meters, designed by Werner van der Meulen, located in Centurion, South Africa. “Free from high boundary walls and electric fencing which is customary to most luxurious houses in Johannesburg, this design is different. With unrestricted views of the countryside, the expansiveness of this home is certain to catch your attention as you approach the house.” – says Werner. (See another modern mansion in South Africa)
Client’s wish was to own contemporary house that encourages outdoor living and focuses on entertaining. Werner took the Form-Follow-Function approach and created design which is uncluttered from unnecessary decorative elements. Orientating the house northwards allows for the home to be naturally lit all year round. Overhangs were designed and built to protect the house from hot sun in the summer and to let daylight to penetrate in every room during the winter months.
Modern design and open spaces
“The double volume entrance hall completely surrounded by glass, draws you in as it’s bordered by two double garages on either side. The symmetry of the timber wrapped garages highlights the transparency of the house as views of the garden captivate you even before you have entered. Enveloped in natural wood, the garage doors disappear into a timber wall paying tribute to Werner’s ability to transform the everyday ordinary into an extra ordinary design feature.”
Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by the open plan spaces flowing into each other with the living room, dining room, kitchen and lanai all in close proximity to each other. The frameless folding doors are just another detail that makes modern interiors visually connected. “The unapologetic floating timber staircase becomes a grand feature which floats above the floor plane as the natural stone cladded wall forms the perfect backdrop for the sculptural masterpiece by Regardt van der Meulen. A bridge with frameless glass balustrade connects the two wings of the house while also maintaining a sense of privacy for the main bedroom which is located on the Eastern wing of the house.” Double volume living space is designed to be central space while all other rooms were built and organized around it. Kid’s bedroom with private balconies were positioned on the western wing.
Interiors of contemporary house
Interiors of this contemporary house were created by M Square Lifestyle Design office which had the assignment to make interior living space warm and comfortable with modern clean lines and natural materials to follow architecture of the house. “Ensuring that these requirements were achieved, M Square Lifestyle Design set out to incorporate natural materials like timber, steel, stone, concrete and glass into the interiors of the home, which facilitated in seamlessly blending it in with the estate’s country themed environment. Making use of these materials created a textured and unique interior all the while aiding in the flow of spaces inside and outside. This seamless visual incorporation of the exterior flowing into the interior, along with the linear design elements, allowed the space to further remain practical and uncluttered.”
So, how do you like this contemporary house by Nico van der Meulen Architects? Read next: Most beautiful houses in the world: House M
All photos © David Ross and Barend Roberts
