Situated on the water’s edge in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, this ground floor, three-storey apartment was recently transformed by the ARRCC team of interior architects into a modern holiday escape that perfectly balances luxury and comfort.
Striving to deliver on the brief of a relaxed, contemporary interior, the design was inspired by sophisticated yacht interiors and tailored to make best use of the abundance of natural light in the apartment. The ARRCC team of Michele Rhoda and Mark Rielly, assisted by Chad Brander, AnnaLisa Cunningham-Cooper and client representative Karen Stanek from Christian Nell Designs who was responsible for the interior decor, created elements that accentuate the triple volume and create a feeling of openness, not unlike the vast views over the bay. The refined design work is evident from the moment you set foot in the entrance hall on the third level, where the triple volume becomes visible through a glass bridge placed alongside the open brushed stainless steel and timber staircase. Even more than just connecting the two wings of the apartment, this forms the focal point and sets the tone for the design inspiration that is visible throughout. Above, a bespoke light fitting of aqua coloured glass panes that seem to float beneath the limed oak timber ceiling, mimic the rippling water surfaces of the bay. The wood panelling with its curved, soft edges stretches across the rear face and unifies the upper floor while concealing the guest bathroom and framing the wine cellar.
To the left, the spacious lounge leads to the study. A baby grand piano lends a touch of romance. The dining room and bar on the right open to a terrace on the sea side. The kitchen behind can be screened off by sliding, tinted, bronze framed panels. The bookend walls of the lounge and bar are clad with grey mirror, accentuating and reflecting the linear planes and spaces. On the middle level, a galley space off the stairwell links the two wings featuring the private lounge and master bedroom. With an open bathroom suite, magnificent sea views soothe the senses from anywhere in the spacious bedroom. A private landscaped viewing deck, complete with its own water feature and masterly crafted canopy that creates a shaded oasis, means that one could easily mistake your surroundings for a private island anywhere in the world. With a family lounge, covered outside lounge area and dining area with a BBQ and pool bar, the ground floor accommodates the entertainment needs of the owner. The infinity pool runs along the water’s edge, leading the eye to the greater horizon and the magnificent sunsets it presents.
While the internal spaces are kept decidedly simple and elegant, materials and textures such as satin brass, limed oak, stainless steel, marble and mirror are sumptuously applied and bring sophistication and richness to the layered spaces. The bold textures and colours of fabrics used, perfectly references the owner’s curated collection of art.
