Tinderwood Residence Zimbali Coastal forest Estate, Ballito Real Estate, South African Luxury Property, KZN Architecture Photos

Tinderwood House in Ballito South Africa

8 July 2022

Design: Metropole Architects

Location: Zimbali Coastal forest Estate, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Photos by Grant Pitcher

Tinderwood House

Tinderwood is located on a gentle hilltop that overlooks the Indian Ocean, in Zimbali Coastal forest Estate, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

An existing home faced the possibility of demolition to make way for a more contemporary interpretation of the governing design guidelines of the estate. A thorough investigation of the original design revealed a strong platform for the end goal, as such the decision was made to retain, yet strip down the existing structure to the point of completely reimagining what was possible on the site.

The primary architectural interventions included removing the bulk of the internal structure to allow for light filled open plan sea view living, introducing a 20m lap pool extending across the entire front of the home, increasing the area of the upper floor, incorporating a home cinema, and redesigning all four elevations to introduce fresh energy and excitement to the architecture of the home.

This sentiment also set the precedent for the interior design process which aimed at achieving a home that epitomized a luxurious global boutique style of living.

Approaching the entrance to the home, a double volume steel and timber louvre screen framed by a monolithic travertine marble clad element, encase a shallow water feature.

This arrangement functions as a transparent veil that controls the aggressive afternoon sunlight that bears down on the building from the west, protecting a sheer 5m high wall of glass, and transitioning your arrival from the hard surfaced parking court to the cool and luxurious tones of the interior and sea view beyond.

A gallery type double volume entrance characterized by a sculptural staircase, walnut cladding and striking artwork, combine to intentionally create a boutique hotel type atmosphere.

The vision for the interior was to create luxurious contemporary spaces with a midcentury modern influence. The palette of materials and finishes including marble floors, backlit onyx features, walnut cladding, brass inlays and antique mirrors give the home a timeless appeal.

Great attention to detail was given to the design of both the architectural and feature lighting, in terms of the placement and selection of the fittings. At night, the lighting shows off all the interior features, materials and focal points, and transforms the entire home into a delight for the senses.

Several carefully considered pieces of art and sculpture have been located throughout the home, testament to the owners love and appreciation of art. These selected pieces enrich the experiece of the already lovingly crafted spaces, adding a layer of visual interest and complexity.

Conceptually the main bedroom suite was treated as a presidential hotel suite would be in a upmarket luxury hotel. It includes a private lounge and office as well as a sauna beyond the obligatory full ensuite bathroom and his and hers walk-in dressing room. The entire front facade of the suite opens up onto a furnished roof terrace with panoramic sea views beyond.

Execution and implementation of both the exterior and interior interventions is of the highest order, and consequently the finished product is breathtaking and world class in every respect

Tinderwood Residence in Ballito, South Africa – Building Information

Architects: Metropole Architects
Design Architect – Nigel Tarboton
Project Architects – Tyrone Reardon & Frans Marx

• Building Contractor – Crest Developers
• Engineer – Davies Lister James Engineers
• Quantity Surveyor – HiRise Consulting
• Interiors – Metropole Architects
• Kitchen and dressing room built in cupboards – Blu_line Kitchens
• Landscaping – Lynch Frog Landscapes
• Pool and reflective pond – Poolwise
• Sound + automation – Audico
• Security – Audico
• Skylight, doors and windows, glass balustrades – Atlantic Glass Works & Aluminium
• Shopfitting – Shalom Interiors
• Specialist natural stone counter tops and wall cladding – Afrigran
• Sauna – Earlco Electrical
• Marble floor tiles – Real Natural Stones
• Under-floor heating – Speedheat
• Lighting supllier – Cobinlight
• Sanitaryware supplier – Classic Trading