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Located in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley near Cape Town, this home features enormous windows overlooking the natural surroundings
Located in the heart of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley near Cape Town, the splendid Winelands Villa is an oasis of contemporary luxury designed by ARRCC and SAOTA. Immersed in lush fynbos heathland – evergreen shrubs that are widespread in the Mediterranean climate areas of South Africa – Winelands Villa took its design cue from the local vernacular architecture and existing rural buildings.
The residence is part of the luxurious Gentleman’s Estate development on the banks of the Berg River. Although built to guidelines set by developer Val de Vie Estate, Winelands Villa is unique and complex architecture that responds to the client brief while harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment.
Winelands Villa features transparent façades with timber sunshading, while the sloping roof recalls the shapes of the Drakenstein, Simonsberg, and Paarl Rock Mountains, features of the surrounding landscape. The entrance is an imposing space, characterized by a large floor-to-ceiling window that lets in abundant natural light.
Although the client initially imagined the home as having an H-shaped plan, the architects refined this vision to create a cruciform arrangement of five overlapping squares. The living and dining areas occupy the central square, while the remaining squares, which interlock at each corner of the central space, house the bedrooms, and the kitchen and utilities space. This geometry opens the interiors to views in every direction, while creating shaded terraces on either side of the central living area.
Inside, the house is clean and airy, defined by large, apparently borderless spaces that, thanks in part to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that pocket into the walls, merge with the outside world.
The colors and materials are simple and neutral, with exposed timber rafters and paneling contrasting with dark details, such as the fixtures and fireplace. A bespoke, hand-chiseled sandstone fireplace plinth forms the centerpiece of the lounge room, giving the space a unique feel.
With its spectacular views, the master bedroom completely merges into the home’s natural setting. Its timber floor and the neutral white of the walls seem to emerge from the confines of the room. Surrounded by glass and mirrors, the en suite bathroom likewise establishes visual continuity with outside. In the center of its space, a glass shower cubicle lets residents enjoy views of the home’s natural setting.
An infinity swimming pool extends into the African landscape, while a canopy folds down to provide shelter and privacy as the residents relax on sun lounges on a floating island.
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Location: Cape Town, Sudafrica
Built Area: 742 m2
Architect: ARRCC and SAOTA
Site Architect: Warren Labuschagne
Interior Architecture Design Team: Michele Rhoda, Leigh Daniels, Maajidah Sait, Stefan Antoni
Interior Decor: Salomé Interiors
Photography by Adam Letch, courtesy of ARRCC
