Designed by: Metropole Architects.
Location: Ballito, South Africa. | Latitude: 29.56339˚ S
Tinderwood, in Zimbali Coastal Resort, is a luxury home that sits on a gentle hill overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Zimbali Coastal Resort in Ballito, South Africa, combines a lush coastal forest, beaches and panoramic views of the ocean.
This stunning location is the setting for the luxury home by Metropole Architects. They designed a place that suits the idyllic surroundings. Hence, it is open and light-filled with incredible views of the ocean.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
Ballito, South Africa, is south of the equator. It is in a subtropical region. Hence, it experiences cooler temperatures in the middle of the year.
Overview
There was an existing house on the site. Initially, the plan was to demolish that home. However, when they did a full investigation, they chose to retain the existing structure.
Extensive demolition took the home down to a point where it was unrecognisable from what was there before. Hence, this prepared the way for an entire re-imagination of what the site could become.
Metropole Architects was, therefore, able to take a more contemporary interpretation of the Zimbali Coastal Resort and Estate governing guidelines.
Design Approach
The architects had some primary interventions to address when designing this project. Among these was removing most of the internal structure of the existing home to let in more light. This strategy also created an open plan arrangement with clearer views of the sea.
In addition, the home also has a 20m (66ft) long lap pool that extends across the east side of the home. Other features of the new house include a larger upper floor and a home cinema.
Large glazed openings and sliding doors throughout the house create a strong relationship between inside and outside.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
Redesigning all four elevations was also part of the task. These new elevations brought a “fresh energy and excitement to the architecture of the home”.
The entrance has a double-height volume. It carries a sculptural staircase that characterises the space. In addition, there is also walnut cladding.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
Designers for the project gave great attention to detail to the architectural and feature lighting design. This approach was as it relates to the placement and selection of the fittings.
“At night, the lighting shows off all the interior features, materials and focal points, and transforms the entire home into a delight for the senses.”
– Metropole Architects
Timber Louvre Screen
There is a large, double-height steel and timber louvre screen at the entrance of the house. It falls within a monolithic frame that has travertine marble cladding. This screen encases a shallow water feature as well.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
The screen is a climatic response to the west sun.
“This arrangement functions as a transparent veil that controls the aggressive afternoon sunlight that bears down on the building from the west, protecting a sheer 5m high wall of glass, and transitioning your arrival from the hard-surfaced parking court to the cool and luxurious tones of the interior and sea view beyond.”
– Metropole Architects
Interior Design
The interior design process aimed to “epitomise a luxurious global boutique style of living”. Its vision was to create contemporary spaces with a mid-century modern influence.
The materials and finishes palette include marble floors, backlit onyx features, walnut cladding, brass inlays and antique mirrors. These materials give the home a luxurious and timeless appeal.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
In addition, the client has a love and appreciation for art. Therefore, art is a significant part of the décor.
“Several carefully considered pieces of art and sculpture have been located throughout the home… These selected pieces enrich the experience of the already lovingly crafted spaces, adding a layer of visual interest and complexity.”
– Metropole Architects
With the striking artwork in the home, the designers achieve an intentional boutique hotel feel and atmosphere.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
This idea carries through to other areas of the house.
“Conceptually, the main bedroom suite was treated as a presidential hotel suite that would be in an upmarket luxury hotel. It includes a private lounge and office as well as a sauna beyond the obligatory full ensuite bathroom and his and hers walk-in dressing room.”
– Metropole Architects
The entire front of the bedroom suite opens to a roof terrace with panoramic sea views beyond.
Conclusion
The highest care and craft went into the execution and implementation of both the exterior and interior interventions. Zimbali Coastal Resort address is a beautiful setting for this subtropical, modern, luxury home. Consequently, the final product is breathtaking and world-class in all aspects.
Photographer: Grant Pitcher (Instagram)
Architect: Metropole Architects