11840 sqft of mansion with decoration that will give you a heart attack

Betti Hunter—homify Betti Hunter—homify
House in Kloof Road , Nico Van Der Meulen Architects Nico Van Der Meulen Architects Modern style bedroom
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Psst. Can we tell you a secret? This house isn't quite what it seems…

Located on Kloof Road in Johannesburg, South Africa, the entrance is minimal and plain. It looks modern, sure, and well-designed, but it gives no clue as to what lies behind that glowing front door.

The team at Meulen architects clearly designed this family home with three things in mind—security, privacy, and luxury. Don't believe us? It's true. One look behind that sprawling but subtle facade will reveal all…

An intriguing facade

Angular, squat, and glowing, the unusual facade looks like it could be the entrance to a Bond villain's lair. The neon lighting forms abstract patterns, and at first glance it's difficult to figure out how to get in. 

Once you look closer, however, it becomes apparent that this is a truly innovative architectural design. Lines and angles play with each other, intersecting and sloping so that it isn't clear where one part of the home ends and the other begins. It's impressive, but nothing can prepare you for what's on the other side…

Simply jaw-dropping

Can you believe that all of this is concealed behind such a minimal facade? This multi-layered mansion really is a sight to behold—with so much grabbing the eye, it's hard to know where to look!

The largest room of the first storey juts out in front of the rest of the house, providing a convenient shelter for the open rooms and patio below. Angular boxes contain rooms, and seem to have been added entirely whole. Steel struts hold the structure up and lend it a grounded feel, which is then contrasted by the wonky angles and rippling details that make the home seem almost otherworldly. 

Also—is that a gigantic fishtank?!

Let there be light

The rear of this house is pretty much made of windows, and what better way is there to maximise all of that natural light than by introducing a medley of mirrors and lights into the rec room? The lit ceiling, mirrored wall panels and large windows are arranged at different angles and in different shapes, making it hard to know where one thing ends and the other begins. 

The decor is still minimal, but classic and luxurious. The sharp, rectangular furniture hearkens back to art-deco aesthetics, but the clean, unfussy context brings the overall design firmly into the present.

A relaxing bedroom

Possibly the best thing about the Kloof Road house is how open the rooms are. This is made possible thanks to the security of the gated community and the jutting box structure of the house, which shields each room from prying eyes. 

Most of the bedrooms open up directly onto the lawn. Not only are they luxurious and relaxing, but they also have instant access to the swimming pool and gardens, too. Is there anything more freeing than that?

The Kloof House is an enigma, and every room has a different story to tell. We're glad we could let you catch a glimpse of its secrets! To see another majestic mansion, check out this fantastic dream home!

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