Whilst recognisable to many, having graced the pages of a local magazine as well as a few international ones, this Llandudno home is by Cape Town design studio OKHA. For us, it epitomises a quintessentially modern South African aesthetic – and so we thought it worth featuring for a second viewing.
Designing furniture and objects d’art in collaboration with a variety of local artists and artisans, OKHA has expanded their covetable retail offering to include an interior architecture and design component.
This complete architectural renovation and extension was collabortiavely undertaken by Bomax Architects and OKHA Interior Architecture and Design. We take a closer look at this prized project.
From its elevated position, the house has spectacular views of both mountain and ocean which are visible from every aspect of the house. Although the architecture expresses a modern, almost minimalist aesthetic, the homeowner was keen to express his African heritage. This was achieved using various elements in the interior; subsequently much of the furniture items were custom designed to subtly articulate an African modernism. The result, whilst obviously luxurious, also injects personality into the space.
The OKHA designed three-dimensional hand-carved front door is a highlight. Inspired by traditional African motifs and sculpture, the door sets the tone for further contemporary interpretations found throughout the interior.
LEFT: The Bison dining table is by OKHA and made from solid American oak, wire brushed and carbon stained. The table base is made from mild steel metal plates. On the top features Roc Sculptures by Chantel Woodman. The Verb dining chairs also from OKHA: inspired by Jean Prouve and upholstered in natural linen. RIGHT: In the sitting room: a custom console and bespoke drinks cabinet made from natural and then carbon stained American oak. The Lean side table echoes the same carbon stained finish.
A highlight: the OKHA designed three-dimensional, sculpted and carved front door was inspired by traditional African motifs and sculpture.
LEFT: This custom console, designed by the OKHA team, is made from American oak with graphic etched detail in timber. It takes inspiration from African tribal geometrics and scarification. RIGHT: The kitchen is by Hacker of Germany, then imported and fitted by Inside Living Cape Town. The accessories are from OKHA and feature wooden vessels by Rodney Band as well as authentic tribal sculpture.
The ground floor’s formal lounge area is soothing in its chalky monochromatic palette, allowing natural light to sculpt and enhance the interior architecture and stucco walls. The furniture uses strong lines and clean forms whilst materials, such as etched raw oak, vintage leather, satin brass and granite, create a timeless elegance.
Customisation is elemental: in the living room the sofa, ottoman and rug – all by OKHA – were custom designed and handcrafted. The coffee table was inspired by a vintage 1970’s table. Blackened grey tint glass top inset into satin-brushed table surround and mounted onto a carbon oak base. The server is custom made and features ceramics by Martine Jackson.
LEFT: OKHA’s Miles Armchair is made from natural oak with natural leather upholstery. The custom side table is made from carrara marble and oak with layered cut outs. All the ceramics and polished copper mirror are by South African artists. RIGHT: The architecture expresses a modern, almost minimalist aesthetic, made more dynamic with the stucco walls and then punctuated by lightwells.
The first floor, or entertainment level, boasts rich African earth-inspired colours. The black floor lamp is by Serge Mouille and the orange Togo chairs by Ligne Roset. The curved cantilevered sofa is by OKHA and upholstered in linen. The rugs are also customised for the space.
In the bedroom a custom designed bed, headboard and bed pedestals are crafted from American oak (a theme throughout). The custom designed rug and ottoman are again specific to the home.
The master bedroom and bathroom subtly articulate high-end modernity through the use of linear shapes and forms. The shower is concealed by raw oak panels that frame panoramic views.
As the owner’s holiday home, vistas were important and the outdoor area enjoys wonderful views of the ocean. The house enjoys a total of 539m2 of enclosed space, with an additional 133m2 of external verandas and decks that flow directly from the interior.
