When Extroverted Glitz Meets Introverted Zen | Home Design Find
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When Extroverted Glitz Meets Introverted Zen

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Architecture in South African seems to be always just a bit more extroverted and glitzy than elsewhere.

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So when the South African firm Metropole Architects was commissioned to design a Zen-style dream house, the result is quite a bit mixed.

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The exuberant result is located on a site in the Zimbali Forest Estate in South Africa.

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“Zimbali” is Zulu for “The Valley of Flowers.”

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Japanese pagodas appear to float on its assorted lavish pools.

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The neutral and highly textured palette is reminiscent of luxury hotels in Tokyo, but the staggering views are pure South Africa.

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The headboard behind the bed is just pony height, so the view over the Indian Ocean overwhelms you immediately upon entry.

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Water is made a primary component of the lush design, both indoors and out.

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An 18 ft deck is cantilevered boldly out over one of the exterior water features.

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One of several koi ponds flows under this red cedar plank walkway through the entry.

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The koi pond can even be glimpsed through a black glass floor inlay at the edge of the kitchen floor.

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Zen is an exacting aesthetic. But the architects cheerfully pile on all sorts of local South African motifs like this fossil-carved ebony pillar.

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The combination results in a uniquely sensual and luxurious style of its own.

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