Architect restores ’60s modernist gem overlooking Cape Town

House Invermark was designed in 1969 by South African architect Gilbert Colyn, with inspiration from two modernist icons: the Glass House by Phillip Johnson and Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

In 1970, just a year after it was completed, the home was awarded historical status for the quality of its design. But when architect Stefan Antoni—a principal at the modern-loving studio SAOTA—purchased the historic home in 2013, it was in danger of demolition.

Years of neglect and a few unfortunate alterations undermined the home’s standout midcentury character. But its bones were good. And the site was excellent, with Cape Town in the valley on one side and Table Mountain on the other.

Adam Letch and Stefan Antoni

Antoni’s sensible renovation opened up the layout by removing extraneous partition walls, and restoring the home’s original wooden ceiling. Today, a double-sided fireplace divides the large open living room from the dining room and a more intimate lounge space beside the kitchen. The master bedroom now has a large dressing area and en suite bathroom, complete with soaking tub.

Adam Letch and Stefan Antoni

But Antoni’s most masterful move was to move the swimming pool from the darker mountain-side backyard to the sunlit face of the home overlooking the city. Installed above a new street-level garage, the cement-sided pool also helps to visually shield the home from the street.

At the end of the project, Antoni brought Gilbert Colyn—the home’s original architect—for a visit. “He was thrilled that it had been saved from demolition and commended the design for adding a new lease of life to his original building,” Antoni told Dezeen.

Adam Letch and Stefan Antoni

Via: Dezeen