A new residence for a leading Marine Engineer in a spectacular rural mountainside farm location.
Located near Greyton in the Western Cape Province, OvP were commissioned to provide fully integrated Architecture and Landscape Architecture design services.
The clients brief stipulated that the structure was to command the crest of the foothills to the mountain range backdrop and cantilever dramatically so as to provide spectacular 360 degree infinity views and increased security in a remote location.
The accommodation was divided between the arrival, garaging and guest accommodation (Form 1) and the living, master bedroom accommodation (Form 2) connected centrally by a transparent spine & infinity lap pool which mediates between the Forms.
As the spaces unfold along the spine, the house opens up to the borrowed landscapes beyond in spectacular fashion, only enhanced by the drama of the views on entering the spaces to either side.
This lateral unfolding of the horizontal plane is complemented by the subtle articulation of the vertical plane, resulting in a symphony of aesthetic delight orchestrated through the daily cycle of the sun and the play of solid and void, light and shadow.
The limited materials palette of off-shutter concrete, steel cladding and slatted timber panelling reference the clients’ international maritime harbour designing career. Wall planes contrast with full height double glazed glass allows for an expression of minimalism, after all – the main act is what lies beyond.
The landscape design was about tying the structure into the land at the point of arrival in the form of a walled court defined by gathering the natural brown stone from the surrounding site, creating a raised relaxation terrace along the central spine and reverting to the natural mountain vegetation at the culminating cantilevered form.
Completed in November 2023, the owners warm glow and palpable delight is detectable from a distance. OvP were indeed honoured to be part of this project – to dream up and construct these spaces and to work so positively with our client to create something so pure, individually special and deeply appreciated.