Johannesburg-based architectural practice Nico van der Meulen Architects have completed the House Tati project, a contemporary five-storey home that was finished in 2011, and can be found in Bassonia, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The luxury South African property was redesigned and ingeniously transformed into a contemporary home.
The building is located on a very steep and narrow site with 180° views to the east, which allowed the architectural design to take advantage of the spectacular views, but acted as a challenge when the architects wanted to add habitable space.
Rudolph van der Meulen from Nico van der Meulen Architects explains that the teams had to work on an existing structure and creativity allowed them to redesign the existing space making the most of natural light and the stunning views.
The contemporary makeover was given to the entire building: from the street to the east façade one can enjoy the modern feel thanks to the use of concrete, steel and glass.
Sun control became key element of the design and the main architectural feature, since the building is mostly facing east. The northern and western façades are screened by the use of vertical louvres to allow sun control and degrees of privacy from adjacent properties. Northern sunlight enters the interiors through new double-volume glazing in the main staircase shaft, while pipe pendant lights from renowned designer Tom Dixon add a touch of luxury and visually connect the volume with the staircase below.
The front door opens up onto the dramatic views beyond the upstairs entertainment room, while frameless stacking glass doors blur the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Public and private space have been vertically divided, with the entry level being the most public with an entertainment area that opens up to a covered balcony, a study, a bar-lounge as well as a meeting room for business visitors.
The home develops at the lower level (4th level) with the kitchen, dining hall, family room and the guest suites.
The entertainment area and the children rooms are situated one floor lower, at the 3rd level. Here there is a private TV home theatre, a covered terrace with the pool deck, and the main suite on a mezzanine level. Finally, on the ground floor one finds a gym, home spa, hobby room and the squash court as well as a wine cellar and tasting room.
With limited garden space, the various balconies and the large covered terrace floating above the raised pool deck encourage outdoor life while taking full advantage of the magnificent views.
The architectural style is complemented by the contemporary interior design, which was developed taking into account the ambience of a city pad with the main focus turned to the views.
Window coverings have been kept to a bare minimum with retractable roller blinds tucked into ceiling cavities to accentuate the contemporary nature of the house. Modern and minimalistic furniture was specifically kept low so as to not obstruct the view, which becomes a background horizon of city lights.
Images courtesy of Barry Goldman and Nico van der Meulen
