SAOTA: houghton MZ residence

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SAOTA: houghton MZ residence

Nov 09, 2012

first image
'houghton MZ residence' by SAOTA, johannesburg, south africa
image © adam letch and elsa young
all images courtesy of SAOTA

designed for a large extended family in johannesburg, the 'houghton residence' by south african firm SAOTA boasts a greater number of inhabitants
while maintaining their individual privacy. the U-shaped footprint, organized around a central open-air courtyard with a swimming pool,
is split into essentially two residences with a shared entrance and driveway. the slight slope of the site creates an exterior yard that sits lower
than the entrance level. a spiral stair case marks the pivot point of the dwelling, with living spaces and kitchen on the north side for natural light
and the game rooms, pool and gym are to the west. a mostly black steel frame structure with round columns and expansive thermal glass walls
make up the primary structure, with glossy marble floors and hard clean edges. large metal perforated screens help block out the setting sun and
create layers of opacity in the transparent elevation. softer wood-paneled ceilings and sculpted interior walls add a sense of warmth to the neutral color palette.

view from the yard towards the courtyard
image © adam letch and elsa young

courtyard and first residence
image © adam letch and elsa young

swimming pool in the central courtyard
image © adam letch and elsa young

image © adam letch and elsa young

spiral staircase as a central pivoting point around which all spaces are organized
image © adam letch and elsa young

interior living space
image © adam letch and elsa young

view from the upstairs
image © adam letch and elsa young

marble floors contrast the wooden separating wall
image © adam letch and elsa young

smaller living area
image © adam letch and elsa young

upstairs living room
image © adam letch and elsa young

kitchen
image © adam letch and elsa young

office
image © adam letch and elsa young

bathroom
image © adam letch and elsa young

bedroom with cloth backdrop
image © adam letch and elsa young

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

project info:

project name: 6th 1448 houghton zm
location: houghton, johannesburg
architects: saota - stefan antoni olmesdahl truen architects
project team: greg truen & ina fourie
interior design: antoni associates
project team: mark rielly, ashleigh gilmour & sarika jacobs
completion date: 2012

danny db

11.09.12

SAOTA (7 articles)

mooo booo ooo… (= “most beautyful ever” with forever dropped jaw…), goodness gracious me…

Bruno de Paris says:

Nov 09, 2012

Reply
NICE use of open yet private spaces
thank you ….paedra.com

Paedra says:

Nov 09, 2012

Reply
Nice what can be done with no-limit cost, however not my taste in “modern”, being flashy, busy, shiny chrome. Luxury to the max. Thanks for the look-see.

mArkW says:

Nov 09, 2012

Reply
Realmente encantadora…

Maria says:

Nov 09, 2012

Reply
I’m trying to find something, anything, that I don’t like about this incredible structure.
The materials of construction, the carpets, the furniture, the wood, the furniture, the colors – yes; all jaw dropping.
O.K., maybe the double recessed fixtures over the garage doors shouldn’t be spilling light
onto the doors in such a brash manner and since the garage doors are meant to blend into the garage face
why not light up the entire length of the garage face instead of calling attention to the doors which it seems
one is wishing to subdue.
Honestly, that all that I wondered about. It is all quite wonderful.
I do not want to know what it all cost but it is an absolute joy to behold.
Congratulations to all of the designers/architects involved and to the clients’ good taste.
Ron

Ron Smith says:

Nov 09, 2012

Reply
Ron Smith took the words right out of my mouth. I was thinking the same thing. This is the first time that I have seen a home on Designboom where I liked every single aspect of that house. Nothing overshadows something else. Everything is beautiful and compliments everything else. This just goes to show you the result when one takes their time and really puts a lot of thought into what they are doing. Well done.

Nicholaus says:

Nov 10, 2012

Reply

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