-
The off-shutter concrete extends from inside the house to expand the open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining zone into an oversized outdoor/indoor entertainment area, with ample space to mingle and enjoy the views across the veld. -
There’s warmth that emanates from the generous open-plan living area, despite the stainless steel finishes, voluminous ceiling space and industrial-style acrylic pendant lights from Radiant Lighting. Thea created this effect by opting for robust leather and timber furnishings throughout, adding a touch of casual comfort. -
Strolling across the shady courtyard for a quick snack from mom’s pantry, the kids’ playroom expands into an outdoor play area that also separates it from the main living and dining areas – especially convenient for peace of mind when entertaining. -
A wide array of materials and textures were used in combination with crisp lines and top-quality craftsmanship to create the ultra-modern minimalist look. Off-shutter concrete walls are offset against the rich textures of face brick and natural stone. -
In keeping with the overall farm-style theme, rustic and traditional casually intermingles with the modern and functional. The sleek minimalist lines of the children’s study nook contrast against the rich texture of the traditional timber display cabinet and stone wall. -
In the children’s rooms, a low-level dividing wall between the sleep and bath areas doubles up as a headboard. The textured pattern was created with a plaster wash finish that was left unpainted. -
Uninterrupted sun filters into the main bathroom from the private courtyard. The timber shower deck flows continuously into an outdoor shower, perfect for those warm summer days. -
The concrete staircase leads from the spacious covered entertainment area below up to a viewing deck – the perfect spot for unrivalled stargazing. -
The natural stone wall creates a striking feature leading up to the main entrance, and continues throughout the interior of the house. A floating off-shutter concrete staircase steps lightly across the landscaped atrium to create a dramatic entrance foyer. -
A lone candelabra tree becomes an unexpected sculptural focal point in the entrance courtyard, framed dramatically against pristine off-shutter concrete and raw face brick. Thomas also designed the layout of the garden in such a way that it complements the overall architectural style. -
Thea Kleynhans enjoys the view from her kitchen in a replica of the classic hanging Bubble Chair, from Robert Thomson.
PHOTOS Dook PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes WORDS Adéle de Lange
With its crisp edges, clean-cut lines and raw concrete finishes, this family home by Thomas Gouws Architects + Interiors boldly celebrates small-town rural living with a flair for the extraordinaire.
Some of our country’s best architecture is often modestly hidden away, off the beaten track. Case in point being the masterpiece from multi-award-winning architectural practice Thomas Gouws Architects + Interiors, which can be found in the farming and mining town of Marble Hall in southern Limpopo.
For their family home, Theodore and Thea Kleynhans “wanted to recreate the generous sense of spaciousness and connectedness to nature that one gets from living on a farm,” explains Thomas. It was the Pretoria architect’s signature design style and elegant use of raw, unfinished materials that drew the Kleynhans family to him. Thomas confirms: “Our final design created an easy-living family home that opens up to nature to allow the interior spaces to expand seamlessly into the outdoor areas and vice versa.”
Taking full advantage of the beautiful stone that is found in the area – Marble Hall is so named because some 15 types of marble are mined there – the architects created striking feature walls that pull nature into the house. Says Thomas: “We believe that our designs should realise the vision of our clients in a unique way to each location.”
The cross-shaped stone walls continue from outside into the house, where they separate the different spaces inside – private from public, sleeping from living and guests from staff. Inside, light filters through from all directions, along with uninterrupted views across the bushveld beyond, while the deep undercover stoep provides a breezy vantage point to relax and escape the penetrating midday heat of the African sun.
As a husband-and-wife team, Thomas focuses on the overall concept and architectural design, while Sureen focuses mainly on aligning the interiors with the overall aesthetic style. “Thea was very open to experimentation,” Sureen says happily, which resulted in an industrial flavour to the interiors that reflects a playful modern-day twist on traditional farm-shed style architecture.
A wide array of raw materials and textures were used in combination to create the high-tech look: exquisite off-shutter concrete walls and satin-smooth polished concrete floors are offset against the rugged exposed brick and natural stonewalls. The spaciousness of the living areas is enhanced by the unconventional double-volume sheet metal ceilings, complete with bulky steel roof trusses and striking industrial-style pendant lights.
With its harmonious approach to nature, combined with beautifully executed details, this ultra-contemporary family home truly celebrates South African craftsmanship. It is therefore little wonder that it was shortlisted for a Corobrick South African Institute of Architects award. Modestly reflecting on the outcome of the project however, Thomas believes it is the teamwork that is the secret to the success story. “We were fortunate to have a very committed team between ourselves, the clients and the contractors, which is essential for a minimalist design style. Thea and Theodore were very hands-on clients, who were just as committed as we are to attention to detail,” he says.
1 Comment