Houghton Residence, Johannesburg, South Africa

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The 6th 1448 Houghton Residence was completed in 2012 by the Cape Town based studio SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects in collaboration with Antoni Associates.

This contemporary property was built for an extended Johannesburg family. The U-shaped house has been split into two separate sites, built around an internal courtyard, both sharing a common entrance. This home is located in Houghton, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Houghton Residence, Johannesburg, South Africa:

“The brief was to create a home for an extended Johannesburg family. Situated in Houghton on a gentle slope, the site is surrounded by trees and has views from the upper levels.

The site was split into two separate sites organised around a common entrance and driveway providing access to both houses. The houses have a U-shaped configuration organised around an internal courtyard and allows access to all of the living spaces and the swimming pool. A perforated wall separates the public forecourt from the private spaces.

Internally the spaces pivot around a central volume with a ribbon like spiral stair. The living spaces, kitchen and private garden are to the north, while the games room, pool and gym are to the west. All of these spaces connect to the courtyard which in turn connects back to the main house and its living spaces.

Because of the west facing façade, a set of large shutters, which drop below the level of the first floor slab, provide shade and protection from the setting sun. Care was also taken in selecting performance-glass that would minimise the impact of direct sun. The bedrooms and study are on the upper level. The passage to the children’s bedroom runs along the perforated wall that separates the building from the driveway.

Antoni Associates were appointed to create a contemporary interior which needed to reflect their family lifestyle. The décor and furniture selected are modern and have strong lines to complement the linear architecture. A number of bespoke furniture pieces were designed by OKHA Interiors. Neutral palettes with accent colours have been used throughout. Strong graphic rugs add drama and texture to the rooms which offset against the solid architectural surfaces. Curated art by South African artists amongst others Lyndi Sales and Philip Barlow have been placed throughout the house.”