SOUTH AFRICAN HOUSE
The owners of this Tropical Modernist-inspired home can enjoy indoor-outdoor living in blissful comfort thanks to a versatile design that sits in harmony with both the climate and surrounding landscape
Inspired by Tropical Modernism, this architect-designed home sits in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The closer to nature the better. That was the line of thinking for Johanne and Ian Balfour as they worked on the design for their Johannesburg home, which they have now been living in for just over a year. The opportunity to purchase a plot of land from the local country club had presented itself after their daughter Pia began having riding lessons there and, as Johanne recalls, “It seemed like too good an opportunity to miss, so we jumped at the chance.”
WORKING WITH THE ARCHITECT
The plot in question was within an area of land where 30 private homes were being built, mostly in a modern South African style of architecture. “We were asked to stick to a couple of guidelines but were otherwise free to choose our own architect,” says Johanne. The man they found to build their new home was Charles van Breda, who was recommended to them by a friend. “We discovered that Charles shared our enthusiasm for Tropical Modernism, and it made a great starting point for our collaboration,” says Johanne. The house that he designed for the couple follows the modernist tradition, being made of concrete, steel and glass, but its upper storey is clad with stained wood screening to soften its appearance. “I wanted to add a warming touch,” says Johanne.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES
In keeping with modernist principles, the linear good looks of the building belie its versatile and adaptable design. The ground-floor glass façade slides open almost entirely to allow the kitchen and living spaces to merge imperceptibly with the garden, making the house more like a garden loggia than a traditional solid box of a home. “I love nature and the bush, so we spend a great deal of time outside, in the garden and around the swimming pool,” says Johanne.
The part of the garden that lies nearer to the house echoes the strict regular form of the building, with a neatly delineated concrete pavement sitting alongside manicured lawn and the cool length of the swimming pool. Further away, planted beds take on curves and the lawn eventually evolves into swathes of wild grasses commonly found in the bush. “Ninety per cent of the planting is native to this part of South Africa,” says Johanne.
CONTINENTS MEET
Behind the contemporary exterior, the rooms are a testament to Johanne’s native home in Orléans, France. Chic furnishings and walls painted in a tasteful palette of moody colours combine to create an eclectic look more commonly found in the townhouses of northern France. A tactile mix of leather, mohair and aged wood acts as a foil for the modernity of the concrete and glass. “I was very keen to source materials and furniture locally where possible,” says Johanne, and many of the pieces, such as the hand-woven baskets and dark wood side table, bear witness to their camping holidays across Africa.
European mid-century classics, such as the Tulip side table by Eero Saarinen and Finn Juhl chair, chime with the modern surroundings. Lighting is provided by lamps by Tom Dixon and the Fantasma by Flos. “I love the soft glow of lamps and wall lights,” says Johanne. After dark, with the house open to the night and the smell of burning logs drifting in from the firepit, the Balfours feel as close to the South African countryside here at home as they do when camping in the veldt.