This Clifton apartment redefines the idea of a beach house.
Bryce Henderson’s Studio BHD designs the home and has a thoughtful balance of natural elements, luxurious finishes, and innovative architecture.
Rethinking the Traditional Beach House
This isn’t your typical beach house. It strays from the conventional white walls and blue accents inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics.
Instead, the design reflects South Africa’s unique coastal landscapes, featuring earthy textures, soft neutral tones, and organic elements reminiscent of the region’s beaches, dunes, and waves.
A Dream Project for a Visionary Architect
The clients gave Studio BHD considerable creative freedom, allowing for a design that went beyond expectations.
The Client Brief
The apartment serves as a vacation retreat for international clients.
While intended for short-term use, the home needed all the comforts and luxuries of a permanent residence.
Design Goals
The architect’s primary goal was to create a serene yet sophisticated environment.
Using natural materials, muted colors, and layered textures, Studio BHD achieved a design that feels effortlessly elegant and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Transforming an 87-Square-Meter Space
Although the apartment spans just 87 square meters, the renovation resulted in an open, spacious layout that maximizes light and flow.
Initial Challenges
The original design presented several obstacles:
- The bedroom mezzanine blocked the ocean view and felt disconnected from the bathroom.
- A large staircase consumed valuable space and interrupted the double-volume effect.
- Overall, the layout underutilized the apartment’s potential for natural light and functionality.
Ingenious Solutions
To address these challenges, the team worked with engineers to core drill the bedroom slab in manageable sections.
The new mezzanine, built with a lightweight steel structure, was relocated to the back of the apartment.
This opened up the living area to unobstructed beach views and increased the sense of space and light.
A Floor Plan That Enhances Flow
The reimagined floor plan focuses on seamless transitions and an optimized use of space.
Arrival Experience
Entering the apartment, guests are greeted by a low-ceilinged area clad in mirrors and recessed lighting.
This design detail creates an illusion of space while directing attention toward the panoramic beach view framed by double-volume windows.
Living Area
Descending the stairs to the main living area reveals a cozy yet airy space that embraces the natural beauty of the beachfront.
Strategically placed mirrors amplify the sense of openness and reflect the coastal scenery inward.
Materials That Echo the Landscape
Natural materials, including oak and stone, play a central role in connecting the interior to the surrounding environment.
Thoughtful Material Placement
Timber accents were added to the wall facing away from direct sunlight, preserving their warmth and texture.
The other side of the apartment is left open to let sunlight dance across the surfaces, creating dynamic patterns throughout the day.
Beach-Inspired Flooring
Tiles resembling the sand of Clifton’s First Beach ground the design, bringing the essence of the shoreline into the living space.
Light and Shade
The apartment uses a gradient of finishes to match the natural light.
Front areas, flooded with daylight, feature bright and airy designs, while darker tones in the back create a cozy retreat.
Curating the Perfect Furnishings
Each piece of furniture was chosen to harmonize with the apartment’s architecture and design objectives.
Custom Design Process
The furniture selection process was deeply integrated into the renovation. Each element was considered in tandem with the architectural details to ensure unity in style and function.
Local Craftsmanship
Studio BHD prioritized working with local artisans and suppliers, highlighting the talents of brands like Bofred, Lemon, and James Mudge.
Their contributions added depth and authenticity to the final design, showcasing the rich design landscape of South Africa.
A Celebration of Coastal Living
This Clifton apartment is a masterclass in thoughtful design, proving that luxury and connection to nature can coexist in perfect harmony.
By drawing inspiration from its unique setting and employing innovative architectural solutions, the space achieves a balance of sophistication and relaxation.
