Pick of the week - SGNW House

South Africa definitely offers stunning modern contemporary architecture, especially when you take a look at the residential and private homes. For the second time, I have the pleasure in reviewing one of Metropole Architects stunning work. SGNW House truly fascinates me, not only being another contemporary South African jewel, but the clean lines it has to offer. 

Architects: Metropole Architects
Location: Zimbali Forest Estate, Kwazulu-Natal; South Africa
Year: 2011

"Clean architectural lines with the warmth and Zen like ambiance". 
- Metropole Architects

High end contemporary architecture has been materialized all of the world, along with the extreme organic architecture and parametric designs. This jewel of a house features high end materials and every feature that one can possibly desire. The aesthetics are based on three main materials; stone, glass and wood, along with other materials of high end architecture apparel. Positioned on a cliff, the home offers stunning views of the city scape, especially during night time. 

The home portrays a strong sense of flow, with the several bodies of water around the exterior of the house, including Koi ponds, water features and a rim-flow swimming pool, which transcends into one and flows through the house and out into the forest. The stacked roof is fragmented and linked with solid roof slabs, in correspondence with the arrangement of the rooms below, signifying a level of hierarchy. 

There is a sense of buoyancy, as the main bedroom area cantilevers a mere six meters above the patio below, providing once again a sense of flow in the area below, as well as protection from the weather. As seen in the images, it is clear that there are large amounts of glazing which optimize views of the indigenous eco-life around the house and providing a maximum amount of natural light, when needed. 

The raw materials such as timber, off shutter concrete, natural stone cladding and of course the flow of water, show off the crisp lines and warm Zen like ambiance. 

Click images for larger preview

Photography: Grant Pitcher

Pick of the Week - Andrew Road Residence

Designs and Architectural forms in Singapore & abroad never fail to fascinate me. So does this weeks 'Pick of the Week', which I have the pleasure in reviewing. Moving Internationally this week, this dream home is one of a kind; situated in the central city, overlooking the MacRitchie Reservoir - Singapore's oldest and most popular Reservoir.

Architects: a-dlab
Location: Andrew Road - Singapore; Southeast Asia
Area: 650sqm
Year: 2013

There is quite an interesting story behind the fascinating shape of this house. The architect had to deal with noise issues from the close proximity of a busy highway. Not just that, but the undulating terrain of the neighbourhood is also unusual, which results in plots of land being a storey below street level; leading to the entrance on the second storey level, of many houses along that street. 

The architect appreciated and made use of this feature by positioning communal functions in a lower level 'sunken' court, being shielded from the noise of the highway, as well as providing a high level of privacy and intimacy for the residents. 

The roof appears externally, as folds and forms emerging out of the ground. Which links to the undulating terrain, as the roof forms are covered in turf, further defining the continuation of the natural green landscapes. At certain areas, the roof folds upwards from the earth, allowing a certain amount of light and wind into the 'sunken' court. Besides the natural elements and free flowing forms, I personally love the rich use of glass walls, which are accompanied by timber blinds, creating a dual aspect of allowing a maximum amount of natural light in, and providing the necessary privacy at times. 

Interior wise, the main rooms are wrapped around corridors and staircases, acting as noise buffers, which also focuses the viewpoint from the rooms to the central courtyard. This creates a sense of drama too, as the 'viewer' moves through the house via these corridors and hidden hallways.

Combining the rich use of clean white marble, dark wood and glass panes, together with the naturalistic feel of lush terrain and the focal point of a swimming pool, this is truly one dream home. Take a look at the photos below to better understand the look and feel to this stunning home. 

Click images for larger preview.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

Pick of the Week - Spa House

A modern house I've had my eye on for the past few years and finally making the effort to review it. From my perception I consider the structure as a combination of geometric and abstract architectural elements which are emphasized over a large volumetric waterscape, accompanied by stunning mountainside backdrops and panoramic views of the bay & harbour.

Architects: Metropolis Design

Location: Avenue Suzanna - Hout Bay, Cape Town; South Africa

Clients: Cape Dream Stay

Year: 2010

                 

                

Interior. Click images for larger preview.

The house proves to be a floating form as it is dramatically pronounced by the extent of water, as a primary element. The transparency of the water seems to make the building lack structural support, creating a strong presence of the surrounding natural forms and elements, despite the abstraction. 

Linking to the stagger of floor-planes and spatial interplay, the guest accommodation unit "floats" over the water and projects towards the sea. Pool decks are also arranged in a staggered manner of islands, connected by bridges. Making the house even more interesting, it houses a underwater spa with large viewing window panels, offering a mystic yet still atmosphere. 

Strategically placed, the building mass acts as a windbreaker, protecting the pool from the strong south-easterly winds that sneak up from behind the mountainside. Both interior and exterior finish are continuous, which minimizes that defined distinction, between inside and outside. 

Overall, the house boasts various dynamic structural forms comprising out of steel, concrete and the rich usage of timber - all intertwined by the natural forms the beautiful Cape Town has to offer. 

Click images for larger preview

Photos courtesy: Metropolis Design

Internship. Episode #06

It has been interesting working on a culmination of various projects the past few weeks, including various types of drawings too. 

I have been introduced to two new BP refurbishment projects. Namely, BP Rosmead in Kenilworth, and BP Wine Route in Klapmuts. For both projects, I have been working on the Council Submission plans. Basically, the exact same format applied to the BP President Motors submission - Locality plan, general floor plan(s), external elevations and sections. 

While balancing most of my attention on the three BP projects, I was still involved with the Mill Square drawings. I was briefed about what leasing and base plan layouts entail and had to issue the necessary drawings to the specific clients. 

I also had the opportunity of designing a steel fire escape staircase, leading from the 4th floor Mill Square building, downwards to the 3rd floor. When designing/proposing something new, it first has to be issued for Information. Thereafter if the proposal is approved and is according to engineers specifications, then the design is good to go and can be issued for Construction. 

Other than work topics, it was pretty misty the past couple of days this week. Thought I'd capture this shot of Portside (building on the right hand side, designed by dhk), disappearing through the mist, while walking to work one morning.

Selected image is copyrighted: VikashParbhoo Photography

-archivikash-

World Design Capital 2014 - Cape Town

What is WDC2014?

For those who do not already know, this prestigious status is designated by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), to cities whom are dedicated to using design for various social, cultural and economic development. This title will specifically give Cape Town a chance to embrace and showcase its talent and aspirations it has to offer, throughout this year through various design events, conferences and activities.

LIVE DESIGN.

TRANSFORM 

LIFE.

Cape Town is anticipated to host over 460 Transforming Design Projects throughout the year of 2014. The central theme, being 'Live Design, Transform Life', which led to being the city's focal point of the successful bid. 

The Bidding Story

Cape Town could be perceived as a contrast of two cities merged into one. On the one side, a wild beauty and sophisticated generation enriched with a fast-paced society; on the other, a story of poverty and urban segregation. The difference, is what connects us four million inhabitants, who share the same hopes, depend on the same resources and whose future prospects are inseparable.

Through design, the city is able to be reshaped for a better, more efficient living environment for all residents of Cape Town. That is why the World Design Capital 2014 is not just a scheme of events, but a mere step in the future of various events. Events on how the city and the people of the city approach development and at the same time, approach design in a manner to transform beautiful Cape Town. 

Four themes have been developed to simplify the submissions of the various proposed projects.

01.   African Innovation. Global Conversation.

02.   Bridging the divide.

03.   Today for tomorrow.

04.   Beautiful Space. Beautiful Things.

HATFIELD 109. wDC. SAOTA 

Internship. Episode #05

Friday, Cake-day. I seem to have gotten fairly used to this trend around the dhk office. Every Friday cake is served, in celebration of any given staff member, if their birthday was in the week. A great incentive, I think!

Nonetheless, the past week week I continued with the Council Submission drawings for President Motors. 

On Friday, we were back on site. Not only for a site visit and to monitor progress, but also to attend a site Meeting with the clients of the Mill Square and Eikestad Redevelopment project and the rest of the consultants. Rather intimidating I would have to say. Anyhow, below are a few images taken on site. Interesting to see how it is shaping up - slowly but surely. 

All images are copyrighted: Vikash Parbhoo Photography

-archivikash-

Internship. Episode #04

Back to the dhk office and my ocean-facing 'cubicle'!

Having no other option than pull one or two all-nighters during the block week, due to the minimal time to meet the allocated deadline, I was rather exhausted when it came to Monday. Nonetheless, a morning cup of good coffee always seems to do the job (in short bursts). 

Work wise, I continued where I left off with the Construction drawings for Mill Square. Various amendments to sectional and plan details. I had the opportunity of designing an ablution layout too, located on the 3rd floor at the West-end of the building. In correlation with the overall 4th floor plan, the 4 external elevations had to be amended, accordingly. 

Balancing two projects at once? That's correct. 

I was introduced to the BP President Motors refurbishment project, of the Retail and Store areas. This is where the conformity of a Council Submission drawing was laid out to me - my first Council Submission drawing! A locality plan with boundaries, servitude's, erf numbers, the works; together with a General floor plan, accompanied by external and internal elevations. 

Of course, if there is a proposed shop-front or door, a schedule has to be drawn up. My first of many schedules for the year I suppose. Luckily just one external aluminium shop-front schedule for President Motors. 

-archivikash-