This fascinating contemporary glass house designed by Nico van der Meulen Architects together with M Square Lifestyle Design is a fusion of granite, steel, light, and water, situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. The design of this residence was inspired by the estate guidelines which forbid the use of burglar bars.

Playing with the idea of protecting a house that’s already secured led to the exploration of large cantilevered boxes enclosed by irregular black steel bars that are randomly placed to create patterned facades that distinguish the house from its surroundings. Rectangular in form, the design is structured around the living room, water features, and covered patio areas.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Nico van der Meulen Architects INTERIOR DESIGN M Square Lifestyle Design LIGHTING Streamlight GLAZING @radiantglassconcepts

The two-story space embraces the open plan of this dwelling, while the bold steel bars make a point of being noticed. Stepping up towards the front door discreetly located in a frameless glass wall, you find yourself standing on a concrete podium elevated above the water feature.

The asymmetrical stairs between the split levels at the entrance and living spaces are disguised as granite slabs punched with steel inserts. Unimposing and nearly invisible, the frameless folding glass doors seamlessly separate the interior from the exterior while thresholds create transparency between the indoor and outdoor environments.

M Square Lifestyle Design’s finished product presents black steel inlays prominently seen throughout the house in various forms. Ensuring that each room captured a feeling of transparency, the designers demonstrated their ability to work with materials in their purest forms, making use of natural products like marble floors and Caesarstone kitchen countertops.

The illuminated ceilings highlight the contrasts between different textures and forms, leaving you in a state of anticipation as you move through this house. In keeping with the randomly placed steel bars theme, the interior designers conceptualized a line across the house linking all elements and spaces together. In doing so, they managed to create a connection that could be felt throughout the house.

M Square Lifestyle Necessities styled the house with European furniture pieces and lighting to compliment the design, including B&B Italia, Molteni & C, and Roda. At the same time, Regardt van der Meulen’s sculpture livens up the space in its tri-dimensionality.

What We Love: This contemporary glass house

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this South African pad? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other impressive home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the country of South Africa: Spectacular off the grid modern farmhouse retreat in South Africa and A serene indoor outdoor oasis at the foot of Table Mountain, South Africa.

PHOTOGRAPHER Barend Roberts, David Ross, Victoria Pilcher