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A South African Retrofit with Timeless Glamour

A renovation of the Moss Oaklands Residence by Nico van der Meulen Architects in South Africa has a sophisticated urban vibe.

Water features prominently in the sleek redesign creating a glamorous presence to meet the client’s brief.

A new water feature at the entrance to the house creates a bridge that must be crossed to enter public spaces to one side, and private spaces to the other.

The house is an update of a charming old 1950s era house set in a wonderful tropical garden.

But not very well built.

In the rebuild, stronger construction of the new double volume spaces and sturdy flat roofs makes it possible to add a second story if desired in the future.

The small original building was enlarged to include for bedrooms and large entertaining areas in a larger footprint.

The result is a timeless modern space with an easy flow between its spaces.

The raised ceilings create a sense of unlimited possibilities.

Sliding stacking doors open up one whole facade.

The renovation increased the size of the bedrooms as well as their number.

Sleek built-in fireplaces appear throughout, even in the newly spacious bedrooms.

The confident renovation is impeccably contemporary and welcoming.

Space is delineated outside as well as inside the house.

It’s timeless grandeur comes from a harmonious balance between warm textured finishes and vast neutral colour planes.

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An Oriental Screen for An Australian Getaway

A house for an Australian family with two young children is given an air of intrigue with an Oriental inspired screened porch.

Designed by Wolveridge Architects the design moderates some of the brilliant Australian sunshine of Victoria.

The architects were briefed to provide a family home with plenty of outdoor space and play area for the kids and their friends.

At the same time, the parents wanted a grownups home that reflected their tastes.

Black provides a sophisticated accent throughout.

Black is used effectively to provide a stunning contrast to this sunlit bathtub.

The plan is simple and sweet.

The house is kid friendly but it also has an adult sensibility.

Five minutes’ walk up from Blairgowrie’s back beach, the young couple had found the land of their dreams, but it was sloped.

They wanted flat land for the kids to run around on.

So the architect built up a flat area off the living room with earthworks.

It was also important to have a wide open house with room for the kids to ride their bikes inside.

But the most important requirement was that the house make a clean break from their lives in the city.

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Guz Architects Create a Soaring Roof for Rattan House

Under a soaring wooden ceiling, an extraordinary hardwood staircase is the big feature in a new house from Guz Architects in Singapore.

Like many houses in the sultry tropical climate, the Rattan House is designed to maximize natural ventilation.

A highly polished tropical hardwood ceiling and wooden shutter doors gives a colonial feel to the shaded and water-cooled entry.

Stepping stones in cool black stone skim across a koi pond courtyard.

An angled wall of rattan allows for knickknack displays while allowing the free flow of air along a walkway to a private office.

This upstairs walkway offers an incredible grandstand seating view overlooking a magnificent, spacious garden.

A filmy rattan screen is slung between the rhythmic march of white pillars

Private bedrooms and bathrooms are arrayed along the upper level, up the astounding staircase.

What a truly stunning atrium space.