South African architectural firm Metropole Architects has created the Albizia House, a family home in the providence of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, entwining simplicity and sophistication in a harmoniously way. Completed in 2013, the design of this contemporary home was inspired by the futurist “Googie” architectural style of the late 1940s. The architectural style of the home is heavily influenced by the ‘Googie Architecture’ of the American architect John Lautner. ‘Googie’ was also characterized by design forms symbolic of motion, including upswept roofs, curvaceous geometric shapes, and the bold use of glass, steel and neon, the spirit of which is embodied in Albizia House.
According to the architects, the core design concept was entirely related to spaciousness, creating naturally lit functional zones and a good level of connectivity. All the living areas and bedroom suites face onto a panoramic vista, which includes a dense forest down-slope from the house. The natural materials such as the off-shutter concrete, decking, timber screens and stone blend with the bold architecture shape, creating an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.
Nonetheless, there are also other elements that make this house a nice and welcoming place to live. Its large and reflective pond mirrors the entire building and the “Googie” architectural style influenced by the American society’s attraction for fascination and futuristic design make the building modern and eye-catching, inviting you to come in and enjoy the peaceful environment. The layout of this house was planned in close relationship with the modern living needs of the inhabitants, while aiming for an optimum indoor-outdoor link. The extensive use of water in the design of the home includes a 25 metre lap pool with a glass panel between the water and the basement cinema room, and a shallow but expansive reflective pond on the approach side, which mirrors the building day and night, and evokes a sense of tranquillity.
The design of the house is complemented by the large pool featuring a glass panel between the basement cinema room and the water, which definitely makes everything visually impressive. ‘Googie’ architecture is a form of modern architecture and a subdivision of futurist architecture with stylistic conventions influenced by, and representing 50’s American society’s fascination and marketing emphasis on futuristic design, car culture, jets, the Space Age, and the Atomic Age.
