Displaying posts labeled "Uncategorized"

Scaling the rock face in Cliffton, Cape town are eight storeys of luxury. Regular readers will immediately identify the architects as SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architect. Wide walls of glass capture the breathtaking views, pools plunge into infinity, high end finishes and custom jopinery are a given. Unbridled luxury is a must. This is what you arrive home to when you have arrived. Nettleton 198 by SAOTA in collaboration with OKHA Interiors.

(Project description and floorplans after the jump.)

“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,” says Greg Truen, Project Partner. 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.

The sun being both a defining and also harsh influence on the property inspired the choice of screens, shutters and louvres that give the lower levels its distinctive gravitas. The living room can open up onto the west and the east completely, giving it the feeling of an open pavilion.

The finishes and detailing have been very carefully considered to achieve an integrated and visually effortless whole. The exterior of the building is clad in powder-coated aluminium which resulted in a very robust and precise surface finish. Internally, a much warmer look was achieved by using walnut timber. Black marble & glass were integrated into the design as accents.

The home is peppered with unusual design ‘delights’. 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. An elegant floating timber staircase employs hanging stainless steel rods for a refreshing take on a balustrade. Others include the walnut-clad kitchen box, the granite-clad rim-flow pool and the sculptural cantilevered carbon fibre bar.

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.”

I could use a break from a dreary Monday, and lose myself in some beautiful interior photos. I’m thinking these from LA-based photographer Catherine Ledner will be a great little pick-me-up. 

It’s a lovely day. Why aren’t you out in the sunshine? (OK I know it’s night time for some of you.) I’m spending my Saturday helping a friend at a vintage clothing fair. Secretly I’m hoping to find lots of treasure for myself. I have no segue from vintage fairs on a sunny day to a stunning Toorak house found whilst stalking but I don’t need one. What an amazing home! Anyone know the designer? Anyone want to buy it for me? Link here while it lasts.

Brendan of interior design firm Kwinter & Co. (previously featured here) emailed about one of her design projects that included 2 very large dogs – Bernese Mountain dogs which happens to be one of my favourite breeds. It is the Toronto townhouse of Dr. Stephanie Bot, a psychoanalyst, which explains the Freud bust that resides next to the bed. 🙂 Brendan explained: This project was all about the dogs and how to furnish it in a way that worked for them. I used colors that were close to theirs so that when they shed it doesn’t show up so much. Many of the materials were dog friendly. Having 7 cats, I totally understand the need to consider animals when decorating and most importantly, when purchasing furniture. I hope the dark floors hide the black fur!

I am still crushing hard for Toronto photographer Michael Graydon (I showed my devotion to his work here). His photos are scattered all over just about every Canadian shelter magazine around, and they are simply magical. He makes me want to be a part of each room he has captured….especially the ones below.