ARRCC has recently completed Glen Villa, a one-of-a-kind contemporary Cape Town home on a beautiful, treed site at the foot of Table Mountain, one of 7 Natural Wonders.
Project Name: Glen Villa
Studio Name: ARRCC
Interior Design Team: Jon Case, Wade Nelsen, Clive Schulze
Interior Decor Team: Mark Rielly, Nina Sierra Rubia, Gabriella Duarte, Anna Katharina Schoenberger
Copy by: Graham Wood
PR Manager: Tenille Peckham
Photographer: Adam Letch
Glen Villa has caught global attention with its win in this year’s Rethinking the Future Awards for Best Interior Design and Architecture. It has also been featured in the 27th Volume of the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review. The highly anticipated publication, dubbed “The Oscars of the Interior Design world”, sees the very best work from the world’s Top 100 Interior Designers each year, showcasing the world’s top projects on an international stage.
The owners of Cheetah Plains, an ARRCC-designed, award-winning resort in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, wanted to create an urban escape in Cape Town, bringing the Cheetah Plains aesthetic to the city. The bones of the existing building and architecture served as a raw and minimalistic foundation with multiple textures. A paramount consideration was the sensitivity to the existing landscape, particularly the surrounding trees. The most significant architectural additions include a new garden pavilion, which replaced a small open structure, and the conversion and extension of a bedroom on the upper level to create a penthouse main suite. ARRCC redesigned the interiors throughout the main house, including the addition of an enclosed wine room. Outside, an extensive terraced lawn was added. ARRCC’s priority throughout was to harness the energy of a juxtaposition between the contemporary, clean-lined architectural forms with the powerful organic presence of the mountainside.
What materials and methods of construction were used?
Rooted in a bold, natural, and organic design ethos, the project embraces its contemporary African narrative by utilizing a carefully curated selection of materials and construction methods that pay homage to the original building while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
Chamfered concrete, a signature feature of the original architectural design, is prominently showcased throughout the house, alongside other gritty elements that lend themselves to an authentic and earthy feel to the design. To sustain a tactile experience, texture plays a pivotal role by striking a balance between luxury and moodiness created by raw and natural finishes such as natural solid oak wood. This approach extends to the use of antique mirrors, aged metals, and patinaed surfaces, adding depth and character to the interior spaces.
Muted colors are complemented by contrasting elements such as dark wood and fur accents, creating a rich visual tapestry. Furthermore, key accent pieces add opulence while maintaining a sense of barefoot luxury, further enhancing the tactile and sensory experience of the space.
What strategies are in place to maximize reuse, minimize waste, and reduce the building’s embodied and operational carbon footprints?
In efforts to reduce carbon footprint and minimize waste, the entire home acts as a carbon-neutral space. Glen Villa makes use of renewable resources in the form of solar power and high-performance insulation, making it an energy-efficient building by minimizing operational energy consumption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
At the heart of its tech-focused approach lies an. From the comfort of their bedside tables, occupants can effortlessly control every aspect of the home, thanks to built-in touchscreens and wireless connectivity. Whether adjusting lighting, regulating temperature, or managing security systems, residents enjoy unparalleled convenience and control at their fingertips.
Glen Villa was also designed with a tech-focused approach comprising of an intuitive home automation system, seamlessly integrated with everyday living. Built-in wireless charging pads embedded within bedside tables exemplify this fusion of form and function, providing a convenient solution for powering electronic devices while reducing clutter and energy consumption. In addition, smart sensors and automated systems have been added to optimize energy usage, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and modern living.
