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Every visionary design begins with a narrative of inspiration, innovation, and artistic mastery. The South Villa project, conceptualized by the esteemed teams at SAOTA, ARRCC, and OKHA, embodies this journey, merging 1930s Hollywood glamor with contemporary design elements to forge an environment of understated luxury and inviting warmth.
Origins of Elegance
Drawing inspiration from the enchanting allure of 1930s Hollywood, South Villa’s design artfully marries the timeless charm of art deco with the sleek contours of streamline modernism, crafting an ambiance of nostalgic sophistication. This design philosophy celebrates voluptuous forms and sensually inviting lounging spaces, where rich textures and robust materials speak a language of luxury and comfort. Each element, from the expansive Tectra coffee table to the elegantly curved armchairs, is meticulously curated to heighten tactile and visual sensations, creating a setting that resonates with grandeur yet beckons with intimate allure. The result is not just a space, but a sanctuary where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of opulent tranquility.
Mastering Spatial Dynamics
Navigating the complexities of open-plan layouts posed a considerable design challenge—how to preserve intimacy and functionality within vast, flowing spaces. To address this, bespoke, oversized rugs were strategically placed to carve out distinct functional zones, crafting areas that seamlessly blend interaction with relaxation. This meticulous spatial orchestration ensures the villa’s generous layout achieves aesthetic harmony while maintaining practical versatility. The result is a masterfully designed environment where each zone resonates with its own character yet contributes to a unified whole, ensuring the expansive spaces feel both inviting and purposefully arranged.
Defining Design Signatures
Throughout the villa, a diverse array of custom-designed OKHA furniture pieces grace key areas, enhancing each room from the master bedroom to the dining area, the formal lounge, and the grand lobby. Among these standout pieces, the double trapezoid-shaped Morpheus Dining Table commands attention in the dining room, while the sleek ViA console anchors the lobby space. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the architectural essence of the villa, showcasing OKHA’s deliberate focus on the power of form, mass, and materials.
OKHA Creative Director Adam Court articulates the design philosophy behind these choices: “Not wanting to overpopulate a space, we increased the scale of the few select pieces within that space,” he explains. “We have given each form ample space to communicate.” This approach ensures that each piece not only serves its function but also speaks to the viewer, engaging them in a silent dialogue about space and design.
The coffee lounge on level nine is a testament to this philosophy, where light Duco joinery is beautifully contrasted with the deep green hues of Verde Guatemala marble and charcoal-grey ribbed detailing. Here, the Tectra coffee table, also designed by Court, showcases versatility as a modular piece that can be transformed into three standalone tables. Its robust, blackened mild steel tube-shaped legs and polished Calcatta Vagli marble top are emblematic of OKHA’s commitment to robust, impactful design elements that complement the overall aesthetic.
Court further elaborates on the foundational design principles: “The character of the furnishings throughout is not achieved through ornamentation but in keeping with the principles of style modern, using clear articulation, with scale playing an important role.” This philosophy is reflected across the collaborative efforts of SAOTA, ARRCC, and OKHA, who together have crafted a living space that embodies luxury, maturity, and sophistication. Their collective work enriches the ongoing dialogue about the possibilities of contemporary design, creating an environment that is as thought-provoking as it is luxurious.
Collaborative Artistry & Customization
The penthouse doubles as a private art gallery, thoughtfully curated by OKHA in partnership with the client. This space features a diverse array of works sourced from prestigious galleries, including SMAC, What If the World, and Southern Guild. Highlighting the gallery are pieces by acclaimed artists such as Chris Soal, Galia Gluckman, Michele Mathison, Alexandra Karakashian, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Pierre Vermeulen, Chuma Maweni, and Atang Tshikare. Each artist contributes a unique voice and style, transforming the penthouse into a vibrant hub of contemporary and African art that both complements and enhances the architectural and design elements of the space.
Material Choices & Color Palette
The thoughtful selection of classic materials such as Calacatta Vagli marble and textured oak reinforces the villa’s dedication to enduring elegance. These materials, known for their durability and luxurious appearance, pair seamlessly with a palette of pale cyan and fern velvets, adding layers of soft sophistication. This combination introduces tactile richness and subtle hues that enhance the serenity of the space, promoting a sense of calm and luxury.
The interplay of robust materials with gentle colors not only enriches the visual experience but also creates an inviting atmosphere that balances comfort with aesthetic appeal. This curated environment ensures the villa remains both a tranquil sanctuary and a bastion of refined style, perfectly suited for relaxation and contemplation.
Commitment to Sustainable Luxury
The project’s dedication to sustainability is elegantly manifested in its selection of materials and designs that epitomize durability and timeless charm. This philosophy of enduring elegance ensures that each bespoke piece is not only crafted to transcend trends but also to celebrate the perennial beauty of exquisite materials. Each element, from furniture to fixtures, is meticulously chosen for its eco-friendly properties and enduring quality, marrying sustainability with sophistication. This approach secures a gracefully enduring and environmentally considerate interior that promises lasting allure.
Special Highlights
The formal lounge area is particularly esteemed, showcasing the debut of the Repose sofa and Tectra coffee table—both now iconic in modern furniture design. These pieces, celebrated for their innovative design and impactful presence, have transcended the project’s confines, making a mark in international design circles. Their blend of functionality and artistic flair not only defines the space but also sets new standards in design excellence, earning acclaim far beyond their initial unveiling.
The Impactful Design Experience
More than just a physical space, South Villa epitomizes a transformative design philosophy that masterfully blends global design influences with local artistry. As the international client reflects, “What started out as a normal interior architecture brief quickly evolved into my passion project with a focus on coupling global design and South African art and craftsmanship.” This sentiment underscores the profound synergy between the client’s vision and the collaborative efforts of SAOTA, ARRCC, and OKHA. Each, as the client notes, is “a thought leader in their own right,” and together, their combined skills have magnificently redefined the standards of luxury living.
This collaboration has profoundly impacted the residents of South Villa, transforming the space into both an artistic statement and a haven of comfort. The client’s choice to work with ARRCC and OKHA in reimagining the villa’s interior architecture and design was a natural one, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence that has significantly enriched the living experience.
In essence, South Villa stands as a testament to the power of historical inspiration fused with modern design principles, creating a space that is not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful to those it embraces. It is a living tribute to the possibilities that emerge when innovative design and local craftsmanship converge in a single, spectacular vision.