A riverbank house with a single sweep of roof hovers over a stepped ground plane.

Architect: Metropolis Design
Photography: ARCHIGRAPHY

This house, on a river bank in Constantia, combines simplicity of lifestyle, ease of use, the pleasure of well-crafted natural materials and a directness of experience of its natural surroundings. A single sweep of roof acts a tree canopy and hovers over a stepped ground plane, following the natural contour of the site.

The minimalist and neutral interiors project the inhabitants outwards and the surrounding green wall of trees. The ambiguity between inside and outside.

Ultimately, this is an experiment in architecture subordinated to nature – where relationship supersedes object-ness and the built elements facilitate an immersive and engaged connection between the inhabitants and their surroundings.

Timber, stone and concrete are expressed in a tactile manner to accentuate their materiality and realness.

The house made use of well-crafted natural materials to provide a direct experience of its natural surroundings.
The house made use of well-crafted natural materials to provide a direct experience of its natural surroundings.
A minimalist and neutral interiors with natural comfort.
A minimalist and neutral interiors with natural comfort.
A patio directly beneath a large tree, with vegetation in close proximity.
A patio directly beneath a large tree, with vegetation in close proximity.
A bedroom's wide and open relationship to the surrounding natures creates tranquil living environment.
A bedroom’s wide and open relationship to the surrounding natures creates tranquil living environment.
The ambiguity of inside and outside space.
The ambiguity of inside and outside space.
The house is constructed from natural materials such as wood, stone, and concrete.
The house is constructed from natural materials such as wood, stone, and concrete.
Timber, stone, and concrete are expressed tactilely to emphasize their materiality and realness.
Timber, stone, and concrete are expressed tactilely to emphasize their materiality and realness.

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