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A double-volume staircase descends from the entrance to the main living area of the apartment. Below it is a Jeppestown bench by David Krynauw Design. -
The main bedroom suite is to the right of the staircase on the top level. It’s designed to function as a self-contained wing, which can be incorporated into the rest of the apartment via a series of movable louvres. -
Smoky mirrors serve to hide structural columns – but they also accentuate the views of the ocean, and amplify as much natural light as possible. -
A custom-made 10-seater dining table with chairs by Cassina offers sunset views. -
The sofa, designed and manufactured by KS Designs, is complemented by small sidetables from Maldini. The ribbon-like art installation on the wall is by Louw Roets. -
With a low ceiling and a custom bookshelf that echoes elements found on the seashore, the library nook is an intimate space. -
The subtle curves of the roof above the main living area allow for the continuity of the concealed lighting. -
A hand-chiselled bar with barstools by OKHA accentuates the curves of the living space. -
The entrance to the bedrooms on the lower level. -
The grand entrance at the top of the double-volume staircase that sweeps down to the rest of the home shows the real scale of the space. -
The guest bathroom features concealed lighting and some of the homeowner’s extensive art collection. The light fixture is by Martin Doller Design/Made Studio. -
The design of the secondary bathrooms was inspired by materials found on the beach. Floors are limewashed timber by Oggie Hardwood Flooring. -
One of the secondary/guest bedrooms, with flooring by Oggie Hardwood Flooring and lighting by Martin Doller Design/Made Studio. -
The main bathroom, with a side view of the Atlantic Ocean, features a double-sided biofuel fireplace. -
The spacious main bedroom has sweeping views of a semi-private beach in Clifton. The armchair and ottoman are by La Grange Interiors, and the floor lamp is by Meyer Von Wielligh. -
The spacious main bedroom has sweeping views of a semi-private beach in Clifton. The armchair and ottoman are by La Grange Interiors, and the floor lamp is by Meyer Von Wielligh.
Located on one of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches, the appropriately named Waterside offers a considered take on its coastal environment – and on tranquil luxury.
WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Greg Cox & Emma Jude Jackson
What you’re looking at here is a masterclass in how to solve an interior architectural challenge. How do you merge three apartments over two levels into one beachside home, and do it in a way that maximises natural light, incorporates the views and seamlessly integrates all the spaces, while satisfying the homeowners’ desire to showcase their extensive art collection?
Originally designed by SAOTA in 2009, the nine-storey apartment building overlooks Cape Town’s legendary Clifton beaches. The task of merging the apartments was given to interior design studio ARRCC, in collaboration with Karen Stanek Design.
ARRCC’s first priority was to unify the floor plan and create a grand entrance on the top floor – one that would overlook the living space and offer unfettered views of the ocean. “Removing the slab between the apartments to create a double-volume living space was key,” says Michele Rhoda, ARRCC director and lead designer on this project. “It allowed us to maximise light, enhancing the brightness and sense of openness in the space. One challenge was integrating the support columns into the architecture without disrupting the flow – something we solved by using reflective surfaces, such as smoky mirrors, to make the columns less intrusive, and to reflect the natural light and surrounding views.”
Also on the top floor is the master suite, which has been designed to function as a self-contained wing. On the periphery of the lower levels are four more en suite bedrooms. These floors also house a central lounge, a dining room, front- and back-of-house kitchens, as well as a bar lounge and separate TV lounge – plus a steam room, a gym, a cinema and a massage room.
The inspiration for the interior architecture of the apartment came from its coastal location, particularly the beach boulders and cliff-side contours. “The rippling walls and organic forms echo the contours of the beach and cliffs,” says Michele. “Use of materials such as timber and stone, and oxidised metal accents, connects the home to its environment, while large openings ensure a constant visual link
to the surroundings.” And these natural materials were selected not just for their luxurious appeal but for their sustainability. “The design includes energy-efficient features such as louvres that control sunlight and minimise energy consumption while providing natural ventilation.”
Echoing the structure, the interiors were designed to enhance the natural flow of the architecture, with a focus on creating a cohesive connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. And of course, they had to incorporate the clients’ brief of it being a space to show off their art. “A neutral palette with subtle pops of colour was chosen to allow the clients’ artwork to stand out,” says Michele. “The neutral tones reflect the sandy beaches and natural elements, while the occasional use of green and oxidised metal accents, along with the textures of timber and stone, add to the tactile connection with the coastal environment.”
Assisting Michele and her team with the decor elements was Karen Stanek Design, who commissioned custom furniture – such as a dining table, as well as the ribbon-like wall installation by Louw Roets – to complement the organic forms of the interior. Another noteworthy piece is a striking Stephen Pikus-designed Fire+Ice light fixture above the dining table, which incorporates recycled glass pieces individually wrapped with copper wire that will oxidise beautifully over time.
The result of their combined efforts is an exquisite multistorey interpretation of contemporary coastal luxury. In addition to its open-plan layout and large ocean-facing balcony – and the sweeping views they afford – the apartment’s natural materials and calming palette result in a serene indoor-outdoor environment that mirrors the seaside tranquillity. Michele and her team have more than met their challenge. arrcc.com | karenstanekdesign.com
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