Johannesburg-based interior designers and architects Nico van der Meulen Architects have completed the House Lam project. The sophisticated looking property can be found in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The architectural practice was approached by a client who wanted to alter and add to an existing 1950s house and spruce up its design. The architects had to completely redesign the first floor to accommodate the bedrooms and the ground floor had to be converted to an exclusively open plan living space.

The rocky outcrop inspired their design, which was developed to maximise the surrounding views, making use of the natural feature without compromising the contemporary, flowing aspect of the building.

According to the architects: “In opposition to the original entrance at the top of the site, we created a new access at the lower ground floor of the three-storey home, with an internal staircase leading up to the ground floor living area.

The existing homes foundations and structure offered an almost 300° view across Johannesburg. This was used as a shell for the new design, which had to optimise views of the city to the west while still being orientated to the north to maximise sunlight.

“The lower ground floor of the luxury South African home can be reached by using the driveway that leads to the main entrance. Proceeding up the staircase to the ground floor, one is met with spectacular views of Johannesburg and its surrounds.

The ground floor is an open plan living area with the double volume main living room guiding the guests out onto the lanai and pool. From the kitchen one can give views to both the north and south, while still having direct access to the lanai and dining area.

The ground floor living areas were designed around a pool, which is a prominent feature of the contemporary property. The spill over detail of this cantilevered pool creates a seamless integration with the views across the city.

“Interior designers M Square Lifestyle Design, meticulously chose the interior touches that would distinguish this house: a natural wood finish runs through the house, from the pool deck, the bridge on the first floor, the bedroom floors and to the furniture itself. The colours used in the interior gives the contemporary South African home an inviting and warm feel.”

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Tom Cooper | Elite.