Saota

Nettleton 198

PHOTOGRAPHS
Adam Letch

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Ciudad Del Cabo, South Africa

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The clients, a British couple living in Cape Town, requested a six-bedroom, seven-level home that makes the most of the site, the views and the mountain.

The lower levels of the existing structure were totally remodelled while the upper level was demolished to allow for two new levels.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

“Inspiration was drawn from the mountain and dark colours were used on the facade, allowing the building to visually recede into the mountain instead of being an obtrusive construction,” says Greg Truen, Project Partner.

The site enjoys spectacular views, both of the sea and Lions Head and these views and the impact of the sun were key informants contributing to the overall design.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

The sun being both a defining and also harsh influence on the property inspired the choice of screens, shutters and louvres that give the lower levels its distinctive gravitas.

The living room can open up onto the west and the east completely, giving it the feeling of an open pavilion.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

The finishes and detailing have been very carefully considered to achieve an integrated and visually effortless whole.

The exterior of the building is clad in powder-coated aluminium which resulted in a very robust and precise surface finish.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

Internally, a much warmer look was achieved by using walnut timber. Black marble & glass were integrated into the design as accents.

The home is peppered with unusual design ‘delights’. The circular entrance area, clad in walnut timber, is one of the main features of the house.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

The space is amplified by a fascinating lighting installation of backlit slumped glass, that renders an “other-worldly” effect.

An elegant floating timber staircase employs hanging stainless steel rods for a refreshing take on a balustrade. Others include the walnut-clad kitchen box, the granite-clad rim-flow pool and the sculptural cantilevered carbon fibre bar.

Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch
Nettleton 198
© Adam Letch

The clients wished to keep the interior as lean and focused as possible and the selection of furniture and lighting is both graphic and strong.


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Nettleton 198
Elevación
Nettleton 198
Elevación


Nettleton 198
Corte

Saota
T +27 21 4684400
Saota
109 Hatfield St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa