Sitting up high above Clifton, this house connects a hillside garden on the east through the generous living space to the expansive Atlantic Ocean to the west. Architects explain Nettleton 198 projects as follows: “The clients, a British couple living in Cape Town, requested a six-bedroom, seven-level home that makes the most of the site, the views and the mountain. The lower levels of the existing structure were totally remodelled while the upper level was demolished to allow for two new levels. Inspiration was drawn from the mountain and dark colours were used on the facade, allowing the building to visually recede into the mountain instead of being an obtrusive construction”. The site enjoys spectacular views, both of the sea and Lions Head and these views and the impact of the sun were key informants contributing to the overall design.
Internally, a much warmer look was achieved by using walnut timber. Black marble & glass were integrated into the design as accents.
The clients wished to keep the interior as lean and focused as possible and the selection of furniture and lighting is both graphic and strong.
The circular entrance area, clad in walnut timber, is one of the main features of the house. The space is amplified by a fascinating lighting installation of backlit slumped glass, that renders an “other-worldly” effect.
