Set on a picturesque hilltop in Gold Coast Estate, this coastal home boasts ingenious design elements by architect John van Wyk.
A tropical climate, breathtaking coastal views and a family’s need for privacy were all factors that informed architect John van Wyk’s design when he created this bespoke home at Gold Coast Estate in Sibaya. Van Wyk’s primary focus was the needs of the family, but he also wanted to amplify their unique personalities and desired lifestyle. To do so, he crafted fluid, multi-use spaces and prioritised seamless boundaries so that the family could really embrace their style of living.
The location
It’s possible to see the waves breaking in Umdloti from the home, and this was one of the main reasons the specific site within the estate was chosen. Van Wyk used a dramatic cantilever roof in his design to create a transparent axis that runs through the house — this connects the view from the back garden to the Umdloti waves. With this emphasis on views, the home’s interiors really complement the clean architecture.
The inspiration
The design was inspired largely by the Umdloti coastline, and as such, the home is a contemporary interpretation of a beach house. The aesthetic is clean and minimalist, with a focus on functionality. When it comes to the overall layout, Van Wyk was intentional about directing attention towards the ocean and coastal vistas. He made the most of transparency to create a seamless connection between the home’s interior and the surrounding outdoor space.
The lifestyle
Van Wyk closely considered the way in which the family wanted to live. “We created an environment that embraced their routines, facilitated their daily activities, and ultimately brought them joy,” he explains. “The home’s design is a reflection of their ideal living experience, ensuring each space encapsulates their unique personalities and preferences.”
The size of the site wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the facilities that the family wanted, so Van Wyk used the below ground level to add in extra spaces for entertaining. An atrium was cut out of the back garden to make sure these spaces get plenty of natural light.
The details
While the setting and striking architecture are key features of the home, what really makes it special is the thoughtfulness with which it was designed. Van Wyk was meticulous with the details and made sure that the family could really enjoy their home. For example, the three children’s bedrooms open into a lounge instead of a traditional passage. The lounge links to the back garden and a secret door that leads to an underground kids’ cave via a slide.
Each detail is specifically designed around the family’s life on the North Coast — and this is something that Van Wyk believes is very important. His advice for those designing their dream home is to think about how you would like to live. “How do you see yourself using the home? What’s important to you and your family in your day, from your routine on a weekday to your weekends and when you’re entertaining or just spending time as a family hanging at home. If you can articulate your ideal living experience, an experienced architect will interpret that into the spatial arrangement of your home,” he advises.
Text and images: Supplied on behalf of Devmco Realty
