This coastal concrete retreat is a masterclass in African modernist design
Embedded within the scenic backdrop of the South African coast is a rural retreat that has undergone quite a design refit. Part of a small beachfront community, La Belle Vue is the fruit of a creative collaboration between a duo of Cape Town practices, interior design group OKHA and Bomax Architects. The house, which belongs to a native international executive, was revitalized to ‘provide a place of sanctuary and repose’, states OKHA, from the owner’s busy working life.
The two firms worked closely to realize a new harmonious lease of life for the concrete construct. The project began with an exterior overhaul by Bomax Architects, who created new outdoor spaces by connecting each of the three levels with the exterior facade. Now increasingly open to the elements, the house breathes in the sea air and invites in natural light, forging a multi-sensory connection with the surrounding landscape.
This intrinsic link with location is tangibly echoed inside. Ceramics and sculptures by local South African artisans combine with an array of bespoke furniture pieces by OKHA to reflect the client’s African heritage.
The open-plan ground floor employs a monochrome palette, and furnishings include a custom console etched with graphics influenced by African tribal geometrics and scarification in the dining room. Meanwhile in living room, the custom sofa and ottoman work well with the minimalist architecture.
Upstairs, the first-floor entertainment level takes a retro spin with rich African earth-inspired tones, geometry and curves courtesy of Tom Dixon pendant lights and orange ‘Togo’ chairs by Ligne Roset. The master bedroom follows suit, continuing the bespoke theme with a custom-designed American oak bed, rug and ottoman.
Alive with a mix of African heritage and contemporary design, La Belle Vue masterfully articulates African modernism – another home-grown success for the pair of South African firms.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the OKHA website and the Bomax Architects website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Eurostar unveils new onboard dining led by trio of trailblazing chefs
Eurostar collaborates with two-Michelin-starred chef Jérémy Chan, pâtissière Jessica Préalpato and sommelier Honey Spence for new Premier Dining offering
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Omniyat launches The Alba, new Zaha Hadid Architects-designed residences in Dubai
Developer Omniyat announces The Alba, ultra-luxury residences managed by Dorchester Collection and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to blend ‘nature and cutting-edge design’
By Simon Mills Published
-
Rachel Feinstein in Miami: the collision of extremes that define her hometown
Rachel Feinstein's major new exhibition at The Bass Museum of Art, Miami, spans almost three decades of work
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Thabisa Mjo and Mash.T unveil sculptural brass lighting
New brass lighting by South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of design studio Mash.T, brings a contemporary edge to a traditional material
By Ugonna-Ora Owoh Last updated
-
Rich Mnisi’s furniture is ‘designed for the human body’
Rich Mnisi’s first solo show at Cape Town’s Southern Guild gallery (until 4 February 2022) encapsulates his multifaceted approach to design
By Mazzi Odu Last updated
-
Iconic Barbican unit refreshed with new art and vintage furniture
A Barbican apartment interior design refresh by designer Oskar Kohnen blends modern minimalism and art with the Brutalist complex's original character in London
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
London family home blends art, craft and bespoke design details
A London family home by interior designer Shalini Misra blends art, craft and bespoke design details in a comfortable yet colourful interior, full of surprises
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Inside the newly designed London home of chef Jason Atherton
Warm, flowing interiors and a focus on the kitchen define chef Jason Atherton's new home in London by Rosendale Design
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Lemon studio grows with new creative emporium in Cape Town
By Luke Halls Last updated
-
Interiors firm Sigmar creates a Scandinavian modernist haven in London
Founded in 2005, interior design firm Sigmar was born out of a passion for classic Scandinavian furniture. Driven by ‘a desire for quality and integrity’, owners Ebba Thott and Nina Hertig have developed the practice into a multidisciplinary tour de force. Alongside the design studio and flagship London showroom, Sigmar also supplies other retailers and consults on projects worldwide. In 2007 (W*97), Wallpaper* visited one of their latest projects, a Knightsbridge townhouse.
By Emma O'Kelly Last updated
-
Roy McMakin builds drama into the American dream home
Hybrid craftsman Roy McMakin’s work blends art with furniture and captures the essence of a domestic environment. He opened the Domestic Furniture Company in Los Angeles in 1987 and after a commission to remodel screen writer Barbara Benedek’s family home, he began designing TV sets, and furniture pieces for the Getty Museum and J Crew stores. Relocating to Seattle saw him shift his focus back to the home, a context where he composes characterful scenes combining found furniture with his own pieces. Wallpaper paid him a house call in October 2011 (W*127)
By Brooke Hodge Last updated