Renovations are indeed garnering plenty of attention in the past couple of years and that largely is thanks to growing interest in contemporary design and how designers and architects are starting to attract owners with modern structures that are egging them on to get a makeover for their own classic homes. In most homeowners life there will come a time when remodeling and upgrading your current amenities will be a way of life. Whether you are wanting to add space to your rooms, upgrade materials, or because your home needs more functionality, taking on a remodeling job could be in your near future.
Johannesburg-based studio Nico van der Meulen Architects has just completed the House The project, an extensive remodeling of a South African residence. This south African mid-century villa renovation is both inviting and gorgeous thanks to its alluring design and appealing form. The owners of this home enlisted the expertise of Nico van der Meulen Architects for a modern upgrade. “They liked the current trend in our work towards a mix of steel construction and concrete framing,” explains Nico van der Meulen of Nico van der Meulen Architects. The designers cleverly balanced the stark simplicity of the structural elements with carefully selected and placed furniture pieces, colour schemes, soft furnishings and decorative details.
The new design was achieved by removing most of the internal walls on the ground floor and adding a porte cochere and a new lanai with an infinity edge pool. The impressive porte cochere is suspended from a semi-circular beam supported by the bisecting wall and a huge column and transfer beam over the pool. With sleek and stylish décor, modern fixtures and lighting units that add to the beauty of the residence with the lovely bronze tinge, this modern edifice is a home that anyone would be proud to call their own.
The element of water was added into the design with a koi pond to the north side of the existing lounge, with glass stepping stones that lead to a new pivoted glass front door. A small waterfall at the front door adds the welcoming sound of water, while a huge sheet of water is visible through a cut-out in the massive rusted steel wall bisecting the contemporary South African house to create a private pool area.
The end result is a home with a liberated feel – as if the normal rules of a suburban home have been suspended, with light, nature and views from everywhere.
