Amazing Kloof Road House is one of the best houses in the world. Take a look how on of the most recognized South African architects created another masterpiece.
South African architecture office Nico van der Meulen architects keeps pushing the boundaries of “amazing” in architecture. Their latest project, the Kloof Road House, located at the foot of a nature reserve in Bedfordview, Johannesbourg amazed us with the elegance of modern interior while futuristic facade without a doubt placed this amazing mansion among the best houses in the world. (see more of their work; contemporary house in Blair Athol.)
Amazing modern house as a living sculpture
As they explained us in their official release, “the client’s brief called for a family orientated home suitable for indoor/outdoor entertainment that maximizes the views to the north“. Nico and his talented colleagues architects drew a 1,100 square meters house, described as a “sculptural piece of architecture” which represents an extreme transformation from the previously modest single story home, into one of the best houses in the world. Since the client wanted his family home to be connected with the outdoors, every room in the house is designed to be opened towards the outdoor living space, linking the home with beautiful landscaped garden. To achieve this level of openness, Werner van der Meulen “used morphed steels forms that wrap around and frame the structure by the use of parasitic architecture“. Those exact steel shapes, noticeable already far from the street, make this house stand out in the neighborhood. Speaking of houses that stand out, check out one of the most beautiful houses in the world; House M!
Best houses in the world have stunning entrance design
Modern sliding doors on four garages are designed to blend with the sculptural steel forms while attractive lighting scheme on the walls leads visitors towards the main gate and house entrance, imagined as a tall glass wall showing off the futuristic sculptural staircase inside. Speaking of primary materials used to define this amazing home, artists from the Nico van der Meulen office played safe, using raw concrete, steel and glass, carefully combined all the way from the boundary wall and entrance to interiors. Final touch to what is surely one of the best houses in the world, was added with natural timber cladding which is supposed to soften a little bit harsh looking steel and raw concrete, making it warmer, friendly and welcoming.
Interior design as in modern mansion
Interiors are, as always, tuned to perfection by M Square Lifestyle Design, a partner company of Nico van der Meulen architects. They “…translated the architectural concept of Kloof Road House into the interior design. Steel perforated panels and off-shutter concrete were amongst the elements used for the interior, while the design of the lighting compliments the bold forms of the home and defines the angles. Concrete, glass and steel visually link the interior and exterior, smoothly integrating architecture and interior design. The furniture, decor and feature lights that complement this are sourced from M Square Lifestyle Necessities.”
Nico van der Meulen architects are known for successfully connecting interiors and exterior living space in almost every project they design. This time they achieved this by using the frameless folding glass doors in the living room, connecting the large modern living room, dining room and the kitchen with lenai. Ground floor also features four en suite bedrooms; two children’s bedrooms and a guest bedroom while the main bedroom suite is located on the first floor. Do you love modern mansions? See how SAOTA created modern mansion with perfect interiors!
Best houses in the world take care of sustainability
In 21st century architects think about the energy efficiency more than ever. Kloof Road House uses “a water-based under floor heating system, connected to solar panels and a heat pump, both for heating and cooling.”
What do you think? Do you think Kloof Road House goes into the category of the best houses in the world? Let me know in the comment section below!
All photos © David Ross and Barend Roberts
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