Along the majestic coastal route from Gordons Bay is the beautiful and peaceful Rooi Els, and amidst the flora and fauna and gorgeous landscapes is an architectural jewel, dubbed the Rooi Els Beach House. The design of this R60 million home came to life from a simple napkin drawing, and now stands overlooking a breathtaking view.
When a businessman from Johannesburg met with friend and architect George Elphick, co-founder of Elphick Proome Architects (EPA), this idea began to take form on a small paper serviette.
Derived from the idea that one house can be one complete space, EPA had free-reign in designing and conceptualising their client’s vision, ultimately creating a global first. “Our client enabled us to create an entirely unique concept, essentially combining elements that we, as architects, have explored but seldom been able to implement and achieve,” says Elphick.
He says they are proud to see this vision become a reality, and are confident that the future owners of this home will be in awe of the experience that it offers.
More than four years since the original concept was imagined, the Rooi Els Beach House has created the opportunity for an individual or syndicate to own one of the most remarkable homes in the world.
According to Elphick, the house capitalises on a magnificent environment with panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean and stretching all the way from Cape Point to Hangklip. The house is conceived as a minimal steel framed glass box with a hull shaped timber clad roof to enhance distant views of the surrounding mountains. All the external walls are sliding folding glass doors and are filtered by slatted timber shutters that open hydraulically to become verandas when open, and a continuous secure screen when closed. All interior walls slide away during daytime hours to create a single large living space which flows out on all four edges onto the cantilevered broad decks. The effect created is thus an umbrella, connecting isotropically to the environment that cradles the house.
To ensure minimum environmental intrusion to the sensitive fynbos vegetation and dunes that form the site, the house is elevated to allow the fynbos to be extended under its footprint. Situated in a charming seaside town in South Africa’s Western Cape, the magnificent Rooi Els Beach House ensures that the beauty of the ocean and the mountains are enjoyed from every inch of the house, which freely flows out onto a deck overlooking the natural beauty of a World Heritage site, Rooi Els.
Elphick says the house is essentially a one room space that embodies minimalism and simplicity. “The one-of-a kind home is an antithesis of the traditional concept of a home and is derived on principles of creating a unique vacation experience, embracing the remarkable location while engaging minimal environmental intrusion.”
In addition to the distinctive design, almost all of the components in the assembly of the house, save the taps, sanware and appliances, have been invented, designed and created specifically to complement and complete the individuality of the home.
The home has been designed to be climatically responsive, with all the surrounding natural elements in mind, says Elphick. The area has one of the most intensive weather patterns in Africa and, through the design and materials used, the concept of living in the ‘eye of the storm’ has come to life.
EPA have been awarded two major accolades since the completion of the home less than a year ago, namely the Design et Al - International Design & Architecture Award 2014, and the SAISC Residential Award 2013.
“Working on this project has been extremely rewarding and has been a significant highlight in my career. It is most certainly a beach cottage with a difference,” says Elphick.
For more information about the Rooi Els Beach House, contact Taryn Fleming on 087 231 1588.
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