Above par...

Golf course ravine house nestles into its surroundings, preserving views and connections for the community Descending a driveway that leads to the main entrance, immediately one reads a dynamic play of natural stone, stucco, and ipe as a clear expression of the interior volumetric interplay of spaces. This is contrasted by the nearly continuous glass rear elevation overlooking a golf course to the rear, providing to the owners a naturally light filled home connected to its ravine setting, reminiscent of their roots in South African modern architecture. Deep overhangs provide passive shading on the south elevation. A six-foot-thick yellow natural stone wall bisects the main spaces of the house. Passing from the front exterior through the interior and again through the back exterior, one is oriented though the house either by passing through this element to 'the other side' or by moving next to it on a three level open riser wood and glass stair. This main element containing the main service trunks for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and computer server systems also integrates a bar, an elevator, an aquarium, and laundry rooms. The stone surfaces are illuminated in multiple possible ways depending on the need for more intimate family functioning or as a featured accent for frequent entertaining. The design answers to the client’s desire for free-flowing, naturally-lit spaces that enjoys the best surrounding views. Privacy is achieved with sleeping areas for the parents and youngest daughter separated from their twenty something’s rooms via a catwalk that passes through the stone wall, with a gallery overlooking a double height living room and family rooms. Views of the surrounding area provide continuous connection to the outdoors. Other prominent features include a continuous second level terrace looking over the golf course, an outdoor meditation space that frames the sky, and golf simulator, and gym 'in the ravine trees'.