Architects: Nico van der Meulen Architects
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Area: 731 sqm
Year: 2011
Photographs: Courtesy of Nico van der Meulen Architects
House Mosi was commissioned to Nico van der Meulen Architects with an explicit plan: the final product had to match the owner specifications. All in all, the architects had to create a single-storey home with an urban feel to substitute the 1950’s feel of the old house and convert it into a timeless modern space with a unique flow. Rudolph van der Meulen of the celebrated South African architectural firm designed a plan with many alterations and additions to allow a sketch with four bedrooms and large entertaining areas. Large double volume spaces and flat roofs have been used in the alteration to keep vertical expansion in mind for the client’s future.
As a result of an impeccable renovation, the house is divided into public and private spaces. These are divided by an internal water feature and a bridge that is used to enter the private areas of the home. The entrance hall and a study are so separated from the private home. To honour the owner’s wish of an urban and open feel, the interior and exterior entertaining areas have been blurred by sliding stacking doors that open up the whole facade.
Every detail of the interiors of this home has been styled by M Square Lifestyle Necessities, so to create a perfect synergy between exterior and interior. Focusing on creating a liveable, relevant and expressive home, the large interior planes were perfectly balanced through the use of specifically chosen furniture and artwork, which were all used as visual statements. By using a neutral palette, a warm environment was created by bringing in touches of colour through rich and bold accessories and furnishings such as the Domino coffee table and bold flower pattern ottoman.
Natural wood elements articulate texture and depth; while essential to the welcoming ambience of the home, the correct styling enhances each room and brings the architectural design to a full and complete circle. The timeless grandeur of this home lies in its harmonious balance between warm textured finishes and vast neutral colour planes.