La Belle Vue / OKHA

Location: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
Architects: BOMAX Architects
Interior Designers: OKHA Interiors
Photographs: Mickey Hoyle, Karl Rogers
Products: OKHA, Knoll, Chantel Woodman, Ligne Roset, Serge Mouille, and South African artists

Located in a small beachfront community in South Africa, Project La Belle Vue was a complete architectural renovation and extension by Bomax Architects and an OKHA Interior Architecture and Design Project.

The OKHA designed three dimensional, sculpted and carved front door was inspired by traditional African motifs and sculpture and sets the tone for further contemporary interpretations found throughout the interior.

The house was to provide a place of sanctuary and repose from the fast paced life of this international executive of African descent. From its elevated position, the house has spectacular views of both mountain and ocean which are visible from every aspect of the house. There are extensive balconies and terraces both at the front and back of the house and large windows frame the mountain and sea views from the interior.

The interior signature reveals a modern, minimalist aesthetic, which is accentuated by a monochromatic colour palette and an abundance of natural light. The custom designed furniture by OKHA was carefully selected to represent the African heritage of the owner.

The front of the property literally unzips across the entire front façade allowing direct access from the dining, living, entertainment and master bedroom to the exterior on both levels.

A granite boulder remains within the structure. It encourages seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The beach side synergises with the interior through the natural matt finishes chosen.

The ground floor formal lounge area is soothing in its chalky monochromatic palette, allowing natural light to sculpt and enhance the interior architecture and stucco walls. The furniture uses strong lines, clean forms and materials such as etched raw oak, vintage leather, satin brass and granite to create a timeless elegance.

Although the architecture expresses a modern, almost minimalist aesthetic, the client wished to express his African heritage through elements of the interior; subsequently much of the furniture items were custom designed to subtly articulate an African modernism and luxury.

The master bedroom and bathroom subtly articulate high-end modernity through the use of linear shapes and forms, plus natural materials such as etched raw oak. Glass doors to the balcony retract completely to reveal ocean views. The shower is concealed by raw oak panels that enable panoramic views.

The entertainment level which houses the homes audio visual home cinema system, is a more vibrant experience with rich African earth inspired colours, custom graphic rugs, a classic retro feel gives the upper level a distinct attitude.