Open House

Blurring the boundary between indoors and out, this inspiring family home combines a laidback lifestyle with subtly sophisticated interiors

- Robyn Alexander

TREE HOUSE When homeowner Lisa, an interior designer and artist, and her husband Will first laid eyes on this green and leafy plot of land in their local area, they knew their future home for themselves and their children Bo, nine, and Jock, seven, needed to respect its surroundings. In fact, it did more than that: it was actually built around it. Here, three indigenous Vachellia robusta trees literally grow up through the centre of the home (below). The effect, is both awe-inspiring and charming. “It’s a great house to dwell in,” says Lisa simply. Ground-floor living spaces are completely open plan and link to the garden via glass doors on both sides, pulled back to help keep the house cool during the hot and humid summers of the home’s South African locale. To fully appreciate the surroundings and summer breezes, a day bed, designed by Lisa, is in the perfect shady spot (try the ‘Paramount’ daybed from Blu Dot for similar). Texture is added with a sisal mat while a minimalist staircase (opposite), consisting of a steel frame with polished concrete treads, leads up to the bedrooms without blocking out any light or view, and abides by the low-touch design philosophy of the home.