-
The views of the Atlantic and Lion’s Head from the top level are spectacular. -
The penthouse was fully furnished by Weylandts Spaces in its signature style of urban minimalism. Artwork by Gwen van Embden. Flooring by Oggie Hardwood Flooring. -
The bar provides storage behind elegant tinted glass doors. The upper steel frame keeps the structure light and maximises the views. A Little People rectangular lamp hangs above the custom-made eight-seater Kappa dining table, which links the kitchen and the living area. -
In the kitchen, white marble off sets the matte black taps. It features a full suite of Smeg appliances, including the fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and Dolce Stil Novo oven and hob range. -
The focal points in the living room are the TV unit, clad in dark steel to add an industrial feel, and the wood-burning fireplace. “We are known for our natural oak timber furniture,” says Chris, “and that features prominently – now sporting a specifically formulated darker finish.” -
The bedrooms are on the first of the penthouse’s three levels. Haiku beds from Weylandts feature in the two guest bedrooms. Artwork by Gwen van Embden -
The master bedroom’s en suite has grey tiles, matte black taps and an asymmetrical bath. All the bathrooms and the scullery have underfloor heating. -
The master bedroom’s en suite has grey tiles, matte black taps and an asymmetrical bath. All the bathrooms and the scullery have underfloor heating. -
In the master bedroom, the custom-made Oslo bed sits centrally in front of an oak wall-and-ceiling panel. Raised “wings” on opposite ends of the room house the dressing room and lounge on the one side and the bathroom on the other side, separated by glass sliding screens. -
The views of the Atlantic and Lion’s Head from the top level are spectacular. -
From left, Chris Weylandt, founder of Weylandts and head of its interior design division, Weylandts Spaces; Lior van Embden, Sales and Marketing manager at Blok; and Jacques van Embden, Managing Director at Blok.
PHOTOGRAPHS Jan Ras PRODUCTION Sumien Brink WORDS Amelia Brown
The penthouse in the new TwelveonV apartment building in Bantry Bay, a new Blok development, offers the ultimate in modern city living.
Ask a local what they love about Cape Town and chances are that mountain and sea are near the top of the list. No matter the season, these are the constants of living and working in the Mother City, poles of nature in an urban compass. First prize, of course, is a dwelling with views of both.
Two years ago, property developers Blok took on a new development in Victoria Road, Bantry Bay. Designed by WAUW, the building has a shimmery metal facade inspired by the sea, and an abundance of glass to take full advantage of the views. “We are incredibly proud of how the building emerges from the street edge,” says Blok Managing Director Jacques van Embden, “with its dramatic facade contrasted against the soft curves and dappled light penetrating through the aluminium screen.”
As attractive as the building is its location in sought-after Bantry Bay: near the beachfront promenade and Regent Road, and only a short drive from the CBD. TwelveonV is a dream address in the city. The developers are especially proud of the penthouse, which is split over three levels: for sleeping, living and entertaining. An open staircase connects the floors. Jacques says the penthouse was designed with an emphasis on the interior having a relationship with the exterior and to blur the lines between inside and outside. As a result, the sea, sky and mountain seem like extensions of the apartment’s two glass-enclosed floors and the open entertainment level, which is accessed through a sliding skylight at the top of the stairs.
The apartment features a private lift, pool, smart home functionality, fibre optics and gym in the building, not to mention floor-to-ceiling windows that afford views in all directions. When it came to the interior design, the materials, colours and textures had to be care fully considered to not compete with the sea and mountain views. The Blok aesthetic is characterised by minimalism and thoughtful design, so partnering with Weylandts, which is known for celebrating the integrity of objects, was a natural fit.
The penthouse was fully furnished, including cutlery, crockery and glassware, by Weylandts Spaces, the interior design division of Weylandts that is headed up by Chris Weylandt. He and his team curated and created bespoke pieces in line with the trend of downsizing from larger homes to more compact urban units. Black, grey and white dominate the palette. The modern kitchen, for example, features white marble, matte black taps, tinted glass and steel cabinetry. Blok’s interior architect Holly Hamlyn poetically describes it as a thread of dark, moody colours running through the interiors, with more focus in certain areas.
From working remotely to entertaining under the stars, each aspect of the design was duly considered with the modern urban resident in mind.
