This reinvigorated late modernist home at the foot of Table Mountain has become an ever-evolving personal exhibition space for its gallerist owners and their young family.
Homeowners Candace and William Marshall-Smith worked with architects Stuart and Matt of STARC to convert the existing 1970s house on the property into a mid-century influenced home. They ingeniously wrapped the front of the house, which faces north, with balconies, which not only make the most of the beautiful views (lifting the low eaves which used to block out sections of the vista), but also emphasise the horizontal lines of the architecture, so that the double-storey house is less imposing. Slatted timber screens provide protection from the elements and the screens help keep the interiors cool.
The balcony in front of the living room looks out over the city and Lion’s Head, but is exposed to the elements when the weather is inclement. “Wind is a huge factor,” says Candace. The front deck includes a sheltered nook at one end, which is directly accessible from the kitchen. “When the wind is blowing from the south, you can sit here comfortably,” she says. A window provides shelter while still letting in light and views. The chairs are an auction find by interior designer Christine Joubert.
The front lounge opens onto the deck, which takes in spectacular views of the city and the harbour beyond. This open-plan arrangement is furnished predominantly with mid-century pieces, in among an eclectic collection of sleek, clean-lined contemporary pieces. “Christine found these beautiful chairs on auction,” says Candace, referring to the restored Danish modernist armchairs. “We had them recovered.” The curved sofa and daybed were designed and produced by interior designer Christine Joubert.
The kitchen opens partially to the lounge, with a kitchen peninsula/breakfast bar forming a low barrier between them, which usefully demarcates the space while keeping the treetop view though a picture window unobscured. Timber sliding doors open onto a nook on the north-facing balcony, where you can still enjoy the views.
In the living room on the southern side of the house, a beautiful double-volume space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows lets in views of Table Mountain as it cascades right down to the house. “We have a lot of glazing and no eaves,” says Candace, so the views are vast and unobstructed. The light on this side of the house is soft and indirect, so it doesn’t get too hot. The stairway with its glazed façade on the southern side of the house, lets in views of the mountain and lovely soft natural light.
Candace was adamant that she wanted to retain the original window with its grid of timber frames, which let in views and light. Architects Stuart and Matt extended it with a complementary asymmetrical grid of floor-to-ceiling windows, which might resemble a De Stijl/Mondrian design. The furnishings combine reupholstered pieces from the family’s original collection with mid-century pieces. Natural textures, such as the handwoven grass carpet, stone coffee table and timber panelling create a muted, neutral palette that allows the views full expression.
WORDS — GRAHAM WOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY — ELSA YOUNG
ARCHITECTS — STARC
