No Comments »

When Extroverted Glitz Meets Introverted Zen

• Tweet

• Tweet

Architecture in South African seems to be always just a bit more extroverted and glitzy than elsewhere.

So when the South African firm Metropole Architects was commissioned to design a Zen-style dream house, the result is quite a bit mixed.

The exuberant result is located on a site in the Zimbali Forest Estate in South Africa.

“Zimbali” is Zulu for “The Valley of Flowers.”

Japanese pagodas appear to float on its assorted lavish pools.

The neutral and highly textured palette is reminiscent of luxury hotels in Tokyo, but the staggering views are pure South Africa.

The headboard behind the bed is just pony height, so the view over the Indian Ocean overwhelms you immediately upon entry.

Water is made a primary component of the lush design, both indoors and out.

An 18 ft deck is cantilevered boldly out over one of the exterior water features.

One of several koi ponds flows under this red cedar plank walkway through the entry.

The koi pond can even be glimpsed through a black glass floor inlay at the edge of the kitchen floor.

Zen is an exacting aesthetic. But the architects cheerfully pile on all sorts of local South African motifs like this fossil-carved ebony pillar.

The combination results in a uniquely sensual and luxurious style of its own.