location: The Reserve, Zimbali Coastal Forest Estate, Northern KZN | architecture: Metropole Architects | Design Architect – Nigel Tarboton | project architect: Tyrone Reardon | architectural technician: Chris Laird | photography: Grant Pitcher

On a green field site of just under 1 750 square metres in Northern KZN, Metropole architects designed this iconic 650 square metre structure. Their brief was to create a handwriting as unique as possible, bearing in mind the confines of strict Estate Architectural Guidelines, while capitalising on the spectacular elevated sea facing location.

They approached this brief by maximising the length of the building along the sea facing edge of the site in order to take advantage of 180 degree sea views from the city of Durban to Shaka’s Rock.

However, the ocean side of the structure is exposed to a prevailing onshore wind and is also in shadow after midday. As such, the outdoor entertainment area and swimming pool were positioned on the inland protected, and sun filled side of the house, but were arranged in a way that still retains sea views.

Elaboration on the brief involved certain inspirations. Say the architects: ‘Architecturally, John Lautner’s Arango House in Acapulco inspired the cantilevers, balustrade pool and planked off-shutter concrete finishes. Within the interior, the eclectic industrial mix and choice of artwork is a fitting representation of the client’s vibrant tastes. The colour palette of both strong, dark textures and bright fabrics reinforces this eclecticism.

For the full article see Habitat #255 September / October 2016