Residence at 90A Geneva Drive, Cape Town, SA. ~ netra

A new 700m² five bed roomed en-suite triple storey residence set on a panhandle site on the slopes of Table Mountain facing the sea in Camps Bay at Cape Town South Africa This crisply contemporary home was built on a newly subdivided site which had severe restrictions from neighboring properties constraining the design and fixing overall heights, setbacks etc.

With this site enjoying incredible natural beauty and views and the south elevation facing onto a public open space adjacent it became clear that the house needed to respond by being as “openable” as possible and facilitate a feeling of indoor-outdoor flow.

A conscious decision was made to elevate the living level to the highest level possible thereby raising it above the existing house in front so as to provide this zone with the best views including spectacular vista’s of Camps Bay beach. Below this is set the main sleeping level comprising four bedrooms en-suite and a family sitting area. At the lowest level (accessed by the panhandle driveway) is the entrance hall, a four car garage as well as a spacious guest suite and staff quarters.

An elevator provides easy vertical access up to the living area. The staircase starts off as a solid element and becomes a linear floating stair which spatially unites all three levels in an easily accessible manner.

The sense of spaciousness and flow is heightened by the generous volume of the living area with its 3,5 metre high ceilings utilizing stacking full height glazed doors which are fully openable and provide a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors. The feature lap pool enables one to swim towards the horizon and creates a ‘prow’ and distinctive edge to the otherwise crisply cubic and simple forms expressed here.

Strict conditions imposed by the neighbour to the north side meant that this façade had to be largely blank and where glazing has permitted it was required to be doubled glazed and screened.

Finishes are drawn from a natural palette including raw oiled oak floors and joinery, natural granite tiles and white Volakas marble slabs.

The contrast of natural textured materials is offset by the use of machined finished in selected area creating a contrast in the design which adds interest to the simple lines and spaces created.

Care has bee taken to use locally available materials and the sandstone found on site was used in the construction of the gabion retaining walls. Energy saving measures such as solar heating and LED lighting were introduced to minimize the carbon footprint. Deep overhangs and screens protect the house from solar intrusion and enable the use of mechanical cooling system to be minimized.

Lead Architects:

Kotlowitz Marais Architects

Cape Town

South Africa

PLANS AND ELEVATIONS: