House Lam by Nico van der Meulen Architects

Johannesburg-based studio Nico Van Der Meulen Architects has completed the House Lam project, a remodel of a 1950’s home.

The now contemporary three-story home is located in Bedfordview, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa.

House Lam by Nico van der Meulen Architects:

“The original house was north-facing, but on an extremely limited level platform: The site has a five storey fall from the south-east to the north- west corner.

Werner van der Meulen designed the infinity edge pool to extend over the steep fall, placing it on a single 3m diameter column, cantilevering nearly six metres. He created a massive rock clad wall which bisects the building on a north-south axis, then transforms into a huge red-painted beam which helps to support the lanai roof.

Frameless stacking doors fold away to create a seamless indoor/outdoor sensation, with the pool jutting into the living area with the doors open.

The original foot print area was extended to create extra garages and a new first floor added , which houses three suites, a pyjama lounge and a kid’s study. Staff accommodation was placed on top of the new garage.

The original two kids bedrooms became a study, and the original main suite a guest suite.

The ground floor living space was gutted, and a large open plan, partially double volume living space housing the family room, dining room, kitchen and ancillary spaces created.

A new 6x13meter lanai next to the pool was added on the only piece of usable land on the north side , growing out of the mountain, with spectacular views to the north and west.

The original cellar was retained as a wine cellar and a home theatre with views into the pool.”