- Project: Glen Villa
- Architects: ARRCC
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Photography: Adam Letch
Glen Villa by ARRCC
ARRCC has revitalized a contemporary home in Cape Town, nestled in a tree-filled site at the base of Table Mountain. The architects’ additions beautifully complement the original design by Antonio Zaninovic, enhancing the home’s strong connection with the surrounding landscape and offering breathtaking city views.
The most significant additions to the villa include a new garden pavilion that replaces a smaller, open structure and the conversion and expansion of an upper-level bedroom into a penthouse main suite. ARRCC also redesigned the interiors throughout the house, introducing an enclosed wine room and creating an extensive terraced lawn outside.
ARRCC’s vision focused on creating harmony between the clean-lined architecture of the house and the natural, organic presence of the mountainside. The contrast between these elements helped them achieve their goal of creating an “urban resort,” a term used by ARRCC Director Jon Case to describe the project.
Design Details
The garden pavilion is a striking addition that blends with the main house’s architecture. It retains the same raw materiality and key features of the main structure, such as chamfered eaves and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The pavilion, now floating out from the rocky slope and suspended among trees, includes both enclosed and open spaces, featuring a bar, dining area, lounge, pizza oven, and BBQ zones.
A standout design element within the pavilion is the bespoke dining table, designed in collaboration with Martin Doller, which features twinkling lights and hanging planters. A brass fireplace, inspired by a 1920s copper diving helmet and designed by metal smith Barry Ashmole, adds to the pavilion’s luxurious appeal. The pavilion is connected to the main house by a walkway and incorporates a boma area inspired by ARRCC’s award-winning design at the Cheetah Plains Game Lodge.
Interior Design Philosophy
ARRCC worked closely with the client, Shari Kennedy, on the design concept for the main house interiors. Interior designers Mark Rielly and Nina Sierra Rubia were key collaborators in this process, focusing on the use of natural materials and bespoke pieces crafted by local artisans, such as OKHA, Martin Doller, and David Reade. ARRCC’s Afro-minimalist approach resulted in a fusion of raw, earthy materials like concrete, stone, and timber with more refined finishes, such as polished metals, glossy elements, and luxurious textiles.
The interiors emphasize continuity with the landscape, incorporating textured timber, leather, fur, and textiles to create a seamless connection with nature. The design also evokes a sense of glamour, particularly in the wine room with its gold-leaf ceiling, domed bronze lights, and ebonized oak details.
Main Suite & Bathroom
The upper-level main suite exemplifies ARRCC’s relaxed yet refined approach. The suite’s design incorporates cedar strip and bronze cladding in the pajama lounge, while the spacious main bathroom combines marble vanities with soft matte travertine, creating a muted sense of luxury. Custom-designed furniture, including the bed unit raised on a marble base, enhances the view of Cape Town’s stunning cityscape.
A Fusion of Urban and Natural Elements
ARRCC’s thoughtful layering of architecture and interior design results in a serene yet characterful space, blending urban elements with the surrounding natural beauty. This fusion of contemporary African design and luxurious detailing creates a memorable and inspiring experience for its inhabitants, offering a modern yet timeless expression of place.
