SMIT COLLECTIVE _ Design by Chris Smit for Smit Collective. Architecture Interiors Furniture Designer Luxury Lifestyle Cape Town South Africa
The Design
Private Residence 01
This private residence is situated on the water’s edge, in beautiful Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa.
Overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean, it is nestled on the slopes of picturesque Table Mountain. Clifton is not only the most expensive neighbourhood in South Africa, but also arguably the most exclusive enclave in Africa.
The residence was developed for a local mining and property investor for his own private use.
This large bachelor-style apartment features a non-traditional layout, an open plan configuration to provide for every conceivable amenity. Versatility of function and optional privacy afforded the luxuries normally only associated with a much larger home.
The most interesting feature of the apartment is the placement of the bath and dining rooms, right next to each other in the middle of the apartment. This was in response to the owner’s unique requirements. After a long day at work, soaking in a bath is the way he relaxes, before more work is done at the dining table. All other functions are secondary and therefore arranged further out around the perimeter of the apartment.
All the comforts of luxury were automated. Technology saw the electrification and mechanization of nearly every single function and appliance in the apartment: audio visual, climatic control, lighting, fireplace, steam shower, security, service, etc.
The design concept was the yachting lifestyle of a thoroughly modern, international bachelor. The masculine association steered the design aesthetic to a simplicity bordering on minimalism. The luxury aspect led to the use of only the finest materials and workmanship.
This was the third property this client had commissioned Smit Collective to design for him, testimony to the value of quality relationships. Working together for a decade has generated trust and commitment. Unity of purpose has resulted in a complementary working methodology, an enabling force for mutual benefit.
Photos by Adam Letch, Luke Maximo Bell and Marcel van der Merwe
Model Calvin King at Kult South Africa
Private Residence 02
This luxury private residence is situated in beautiful Clifton in Cape Town, South Africa.
Clifton is arguably one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the world. Only a very few properties are nestled on this mountain slope, carved from the sheer granite cliffs of the majestic Table Mountain. Overlooking a small bay and boasting four of the most picture-perfect beaches in the world, Clifton is the ultimate in beach living.
This residence was designed for a local mining and property investor and intended for the use of his family when they are in Cape Town.
The landmark building was originally designed by a legendary local architect. After a quarter of a century, however, its interior required a complete refurbishment. The scope of the project was therefore wide, embracing interior architecture, design, decor and furniture. The space was completely stripped down and its configuration altered to suit contemporary living. Facilities were enhanced to suit the family’s unique requirements. All the services were upgraded, to provide every possible convenience that modern technology has to offer. Form followed function, allowing for the expression of the client’s unique, personal, aesthetic style.
The aesthetic design concept was that of an early twentieth-century, international-style beach house – white washed and traditionally detailed, humble in its simplicity, comfortable in its provision. Stone and quality workmanship offered a timeless quality. Black and white marble was extensively used. Only the very best local master-craftsman was employed, working with only the highest quality materials available. Furniture items were created to last a lifetime, pieces for today, family treasures tomorrow. An impressive art collection provided the finishing touch, personalizing the space with the owner’s individual character.
The result was a timeless, luxurious, comfortable, family home, one affording full enjoyment of everything that a beach lifestyle has to offer: time together, relaxing in the sun, the quiet of the ocean in the background, tranquillity, peace and serenity. An incomparable experience for the user.
Photos by Adam Letch, Craig Howes, Luke Maximo Bell and
Marcel van der Merwe
Model Calvin King at Kult South Africa
Private Residence 03
This private residence is located in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.
It is set on the slopes of Table Mountain on the city’s prestigious Atlantic Seaboard, overlooking a beautiful bay that is home to the four most expensive neighbourhoods in the country. The area offers a variety of lifestyle activities, including beaches, surfing, hiking, and numerous world-class restaurants.
It was developed for a local specialist medical surgeon. It was intended for his personal use when his family is residing in the country.
The property was acquired with the developer’s standard specification, something rarely appropriate for high-end properties because of the lack of luxury. The owner therefore commissioned Smit Collective to personalize the space for him.
A rigorous design process resulted in the elimination of some existing elements, as well as the retention of and addition to others. The layout underwent a marked change from a standard two-bedroom, into a unique open-plan space.
The aesthetic was transformed into a calm, simple, thoroughly contemporary style. Luxurious materials were introduced for their natural tactile qualities, and high-tech materials for their functionality and performance. Brilliant white was contrasted with raw, natural tones.
Quality and integrity were guiding principles, a reaction against our era of consumption and disposal. The result was a carefully considered design process of reduction, including only what was truly needed and producing only what was worth producing. This was ensured by using only top local craftsmen, working with only the best materials from around the world. It meant that what was consumed in the creative process was transformed into something truly long-lasting. The design thus honours the product and respects the material.
The result was a serene, comfortable home, a space designed for enjoyment of the true luxuries of life: time, peace, quiet, family and nature. It is a residence personalized for the user’s ultimate experience of connected seclusion: safe in the privacy of one’s own home, high above the bustling city below, with views of the natural beauty all around. City living at its best. A true haven.
Photos by Adam Letch, Craig Howes and Marcel van der Merwe
Model Calvin King at Kult South Africa
