A glass and thatch holiday home in the foothills of Waterberg Mountains offers endless views of pristine bushveld where earth meets sky, and the architecture brings depth and complexity to the experience of being there.
The fireplace is the focal point of the main living area, a counterpoint to the seating area at the opposite end of the room. With the glass walls pushed aside, the distinction between inside and outside is all but invisible. Ladders lead up to the tops of the solid section above the kitchen, which are used as loft bedrooms for spillover guests.
The dining area, opposite the kitchen is similarly simple and subtle, subservient to the setting.
The seating area is simply and tastefully furnished, positioned to make the most of the 270-degree views from the main living pavilion with access to the deck from two sides. The glass gables on the western side not only make the absolute most of the views, allowing views of the sky, but also makes the volume from the outside less imposing.
A boma is located on the landscape, designed for evening when it provides a sheltered nook to light a fire and enjoy the view over sundowners.
The central concept of the house is exemplified by the deck – the ultimate concept for the design is that it is a viewing platform. The deck creates a horizontal line that underlines the view, and its parallel lines carry the eye out over the valley.
The swimming pool, positioned in front of the deck, is on a lower level. “We dropped the swimming pool level down, so you don’t see it from the deck,” says owner Johan. It doesn’t interfere with the view at all, but creates quite spectacular views of its own.
“The main bedroom has the perfect view,” says Johan. “Again, it’s open. When you’re in the bed, it feels like you’re in the veld. You’ve just got a bit of shelter above and around you. It’s almost incidental.” Roller blinds of tent fabric provide privacy or a sense of containment.
The bathrooms are housed in the solid sections of the bedroom pavilions. They are designed as wet rooms, with open showers. “Bathrooms – in theory the same planning as the kitchen and the bar, with the view to the outside. But comfortable. No shower doors. Just walking through on to the deck. The basins are like the ones you get on trains – stainless steel train basins. It’s supposed to be a farm language, just refined.”
Words — Graham Wood
Photography — Greg Cox
Architects — Johan Wentzel l Grete van As W Design l Architecture Studio
