house the by nico van der meulen architects

‘house the’ by nico van der meulen architects

the design renovation by south-african nico van der meulen architects was achieved by removing most of the internal walls on the ground floor and adding a porte cochere and a new lanai with an infinity edge pool. the porch is suspended from a semi-circular beam supported by the bisecting wall and a huge column and transfer beam over the pool. an element of water was added into the design with a koi pond to the north side of the existing lounge, with glass stepping stones that lead to a new pivoted glass front door. a small waterfall at the front door adds the welcoming sound of water, while a huge sheet of water is visible through a cut-out in the massive rusted steel wall bisecting the house to create a private pool area.

‘we created the north wall of the family room with frameless sliding/folding doors to allow the kitchen, dining and family rooms to merge seamlessly into the lanai, creating a dream space for entertaining,’ explains nico. the roof of the family room was also lifted to create a double-volume space with huge north-facing windows that flood the living space and kitchen with light and sun in winter. There is a mentis grating catwalk that leads from the upstairs study to the deck over the lanai for extra entertainment spaces, with spectacular views.

house the, exterior

the children’s and guest bedroom suites have their own lounge as well as a gymnasium on the first floor, with an open-plan space for a study/pyjama lounge, overlooking the double-volume family room and the vista. the remarkable main bedroom suite is nearly 120 sqm, and is situated against the mountain and is nearly two storeys above the first floor with a view of the magaliesburg mountains. this area comprises a private lounge, study area, main bedroom, open-plan bathroom and spacious walk-in cupboard.

house the in constantia kloof