Deck

Inside, timber panels treated with light oil give a clean, warm, and contemporary look. “Although the unit was intended solely as my office, it is now also frequently used as a hang-out and sleepover spot for my daughter and her friends when I’m not using it,” says owner Glen Vriesema.

Overlooking the pond, the home’s living room, located in the western wing, is a bright, voluminous gathering space for the family.

“The black char looks flat from a distance, but up close you see the texture and pattern of the wood,” says Höweler. “The char also catches the light and has a luster that shimmers.”

A two-story commercial glass and aluminum window is reflected in the property’s pond. The ends of the home taper to form a “knife edge” profile, making the walls appear paper thin. “The detail is more than a detail—it’s a space-defining element,” says Höweler.

A bar completes the casual living space.

The living room features an Isamu Noguchi Freeform sofa, a brassy Slit Table XL from Hay, and a square silver coffee table from FOUND home by Ruth Davis. The artwork is by Carlos Cruz Diez.

Two new midcentury-style water features are located on either side of the house. “We are passionate about enhancing the interaction between indoor and outdoor living, and materials were carefully selected to emulate the look and feel of the home’s original style,” shares Uzcategui.

Clearing the overgrown yard helped unlock sightlines that had previously been obscured. Now, from the home’s back deck, unobstructed views of the hills and orange grove can be enjoyed.

The interior is a composition of pragmatic materials, including concrete, mosaic tiles, and timber. Likewise, many of the fixtures and fittings are affordable off-the-shelf items that have been elevated through clever design. Take, for example, the round light fittings found throughout. “We used curved plastic salad bowls as formwork for the fittings and the end result is a smooth, reflective integrated concrete dome housing a very basic light fitting,” says architect Guillaume Pienaar.

In years gone by, the street was lined with Milkwood trees, some of which still remain. The angled bay window was specifically designed to frame two ancient Milkwoods, which were sadly removed by neighbours despite many objections. It does, however, remain a cosy, sun-filled nook with 180-degree views.