House Ber by Nico van der Meulen Architects

The design of this contemporary glass house was inspired from the estate guidelines which forbid the use of burglar bars. Toying with the idea of protecting a house that’s already secured led to the exploration of large cantilevered boxes enclosed by black steel bars.

Rectangular in form, the design of House Ber is centered around the living room, water features and covered patio areas. The double volume space embraces the open plan of this home, while the bold steel bars make a point of being noticed. Stepping up towards the front door discreetly located in a frameless glass wall, you find yourself standing on a concrete podium elevated above the water feature.

The asymmetrical stairs between the split levels at the entrance and living spaces are disguised as granite slabs punched with steel inserts. Unimposing and nearly invisible, the frameless folding glass doors seamlessly separate the interior from the exterior while thresholds create transparency between the indoor and outdoor environments.

M Square Lifestyle Design continued the idea of random connectedness throughout the interiors ensuring this theme was translated through every space and detail. Materials were utilized in their purest form, with a selection of materials such as marble floors and Caesarstone kitchen counter tops.

M Square Lifestyle Necessities styled the house with European furniture pieces and lighting to compliment the design, including B&B Italia, Molteni & C, and Roda.

Note:

M Square Lifestyle Design is an interior design practice that creates bold and contemporary design solutions while M Square Lifestyle Necessities is an upmarket furniture and décor showroom with a selection of the finest imported furniture from design studios around the world. Both companies were established in association with Nico van der Meulen Architects.

Project: House Ber

Designed by: Nico and Werner van der Meulen

Location: Carlsworld, Midrand, South Africa

Residence size: 720 m²

Photography by: Victoria Pilcher, Barend Roberts, David Ross

Website URL: www.nicovdmeulen.com