Contemporary African Residence With Viewing Platforms

This contemporary dwelling is built in several levels and features viewing platforms to make most of the views

W DESIGN architecture studio introduces a contemporary residence nestled on the slopes of the Bronberg mountain, in South Africa. With the aim to merge landscape and architecture, the design generates a series of platforms to provide a spacious living environment with mesmerizing panoramic views.

Between the steep, rocky slopes of the mountain, and the logistics of constructing a rather large accommodation requirement into a low profile landscape, the dwelling by W DESIGN had to literally carve the site open to find its ‘perch’. The new structure was guided by a portion of the property, a derelict platform left behind from previous development before subdivision and densification. The old platform essentially positioned the current living areas and central space of the residence between the visible rock face of the Bronberg and the open views to the north.

W DESIGN integrates the dwelling into its natural surroundings, creating a series of single-story or ground-level platforms that protect the outline of the horizon. Each platform is set back from the levels below, following the contours of the property. The roofs of these platforms are used to ‘reclaim’ open landscape in front of the upper levels, allowing for a contemporary space to be formed, providing panoramic connections to the landscape from all areas of the home.

The absolute focus of this residential project, part building, part landscape, is to celebrate and be aware of its fantastic natural surroundings and views by keeping the built form as low profile as possible and allowing the landscape to eventually cover and merge with the man made forms. As the indigenous vegetation and natural beauty recovers, this home will seamlessly adapt and fuse with the sensitive natural habitat.

The house is built for outdoor-indoor living, there’s a lawn terrace and a pool outside

The living areas can be opened to outdoors, and there you can see a green lawn and a pond with real fish

A cantilever allows an overhead roof garden to float and dining here anytime even if it’s raining

The bedroom decor is very laconic and simple, and it’s focused towards to extended views

All the bedrooms feature their own private timber decks stepping into the rocky mountainside

The living room lawn terrace is positioned on top of the service level, buried below the landscape