Project: City Villa
Architects: ARRCC
Location: South Africa
Area: 9,418 sq ft
Photographs by: Adam Letch
City Villa by ARRCC
ARRCC have designed the City Villa, a luxurious modern family home that boasts spectacular views of a South African city.
The construction of the residence is made up of rectangular shaped forms placed on top of each other, including some that cantilever out of the layout. There is no way to describe the design of this home without using words such as luxury, elegant and sophisticated. It has everything you need and then some.
The view from the terrace, right next to a swimming pool with a hot tub, is truly one of a kind and is probably the main feature of this home.
Crested on a steep site, ARRCC’s latest architectural design boasts striking city views. Designed as an iconic family home, with modern natural design direction, the villa is an interplay of rectangular forms, perpendicularly opposed with cantilevered concrete elements to create a powerful and sculptural composition. The organically shaped pool forms a sharp contrast against these rigid shapes, and shows off the magnificent views. A white, geometrically shaped screen installed on the exterior of the upper level, adds patterned textures to the exterior.
With inspiration from architects such as Tadao Ando, the use of geometric forms to sculpt natural light, is seen throughout the house. As you enter the driveway, you are instantly struck by the horizontal elements that pierce the landscape. Softening these forms is a stone cladded wall which provides a screen to the sunken fire pit on the entertainment level, concealing them from the street level.
The entrance cube is enclosed by a custom-designed, fragmented brass front door which floats framelessly between glass panels on either side. The lobby inside is masked by off-shutter concrete walls, set against a double-volume matt black steel and bronze screen which surrounds the staircase leading up to the main living level.
The ground floor comprises a Bulthaup kitchen, dining area and a formal lounge area with sliding pocket doors opening up to reveal both the front and back views of the house so that each space can open and connect with the adjoining areas. Out the front, the large sliding doors open onto lush landscaping, creating a Zen garden feel, which surrounds an infinity pool and hot tub. Next to the pool is the sunken entertainment area. Above this, a floating concrete box provides a neat overhang for shade protection, while incorporating a sky light to sculpt the natural light. The same floor finishes that are used within the living area, are used in the outdoor space to accentuate the indoor-outdoor feel. On this level there is also an informal lounge and bar area, a study as well as a fully equipped gym.
The first floor accommodates three double bedrooms as well as the main master bedroom. All of the bedrooms boast unrivalled views of the city and the mountain with the three double rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms enclosed within a glass box, providing privacy while not obstructing the views. The master bedroom has an open-plan bathroom layout with a featured freestanding bath and a large, glass encased shower overlooking the city. The monochromatic palette of the rooms is offset against the imported Espresso Italian wardrobes within each, adding a layer of understated richness.
“The building sits comfortably as a pure manmade object in its context, enveloped by dramatic city views, and incorporates signature ARRCC design elements to create a modern and sophisticated presence while still ensuring that the personality of the home owner is reflected,” says Michele Rhoda. Mark Reilly, director of ARRCC added that “The interior spaces of the villa are kept relatively minimalistic, with bold textures and contrasting colour pallets adding richness to the spaces.”
