Located at the foot of a nature reserve in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, Kloof Road House is the latest project by Nico van der Meulen Architects. The client's brief called for a family orientated home suitable for indoor/outdoor entertainment that maximizes the views to the north. The result is a 1100m² sculptural piece of architecture that is an extreme transformation from the previously modest single story.

With every room in the house opening outdoors, linking the home with the landscaped garden, indoor/outdoor living is guaranteed. Werner van der Meulen used morphed steels forms that wrap around and frame the structure by the use of parasitic architecture. From the street, the boldly designed off-shutter boundary wall with black steel shapes creeping over predicts that this is no ordinary piece of architecture.
-Nico van der Meulen

Steel, glass and concrete are prominently used in Kloof Road House and have been integrated into the design, from the boundary wall all the way to the interior. The angled steel roof of the entrance hall overhangs the double volume window and glass front door at the entrance, while the sculptural steel staircase is visible behind the window.
The wall of the entrance is clad with natural timber in a herringbone pattern to soften the harshness of the steel, glass and concrete interior, while the backlit ceilings create a shadowless interior inside the sculptured 3D forms.
-Nico van der Meulen

M Square Lifestyle Design translated the architectural concept of Kloof Road House into the interior design. Steel perforated panels and off-shutter concrete were amongst the elements used for the interior, while the design of the lighting compliments the bold forms of the home and defines the angles. Concrete, glass and steel visually link the interior and exterior, smoothly integrating architecture and interior design. The furniture, decor and feature lights that complement this are sourced from M Square Lifestyle Necessities.
-Nico van der Meulen

Nico van der Meulen Architect's trademark of seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces is achieved through the use of frameless folding glass doors, transforming the lanai into an extension of the living room. The double volume living room and dining room, kitchen and lanai are situated in an open plan area and coherently merge into one another with a polished concrete floor extending to the lanai. The angled columns supporting steel beams and the roof pierce the double volume space. These structural elements were designed to appear sculptural, while the sculptures on display compliment the structural components of the building.
-Nico van der Meulen

Energy efficiency was very important, so a decision was made to use a water-based under floor heating system, connected to solar panels and a heat pump, both for heating and cooling. This was installed in a polished concrete floor for good conductivity.
-Nico van der Meulen

Kloof Road House has four en suite bedrooms; two children’s bedrooms and a guest bedroom situated downstairs and the main bedroom suite located upstairs. The design of the main bedroom incorporates a large open balcony with views stretching to the far horizon, while the open plan bathroom flows around the corner to the expansive dressing room. The main suite has its own lounge area with a television and fireplace, as well as a mini kitchenette cum bar.
A pajama-lounge and playroom is located upstairs and overlooks the double volume living spaces and kitchen, leading onto a large north-facing balcony that forms the roof of the lanai, offering views of the garden and other distant views.
-Nico van der Meulen

*M Square Lifestyle Design is an interior design practice that creates bold and contemporary design solutions while M Square Lifestyle Necessities is an upmarket furniture and décor showroom with a selection of the finest imported furniture from design studios around the world. Both companies were established in association with Nico van der Meulen Architects.*

Photographs by: David Ross and Barend Roberts

About Nico van der Meulen

Nico van der Meulen Architects designs contemporary, upmarket residences and commercial building for discerning clients worldwide. Since inception, the firm has designed over 4 000 buildings in 17 countries. Nico van der Meulen Architects focuses on designing innovative, luxurious homes, both contemporary and traditional, tailored to the tastes and needs of the client. See more of his designs on Behance or their company website.