Bryce Henderson Design has been awarded a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Architecture (Single Residential Project) in South Africa 2024 for their extraordinary work on The Reserve 01. Ideally situated within the esteemed Val De Vie Estate in Paarl, Western Cape, The Reserve 01 is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings and embody the pinnacle of luxury living.

The client for The Reserve 01 granted Bryce Henderson Design full creative control, placing their trust in the firm’s expertise and unique design style. The primary brief was to create a single-story home that harmonized with the natural setting of The Reserve at Val De Vie Estate. The client emphasized the need for a design focused on hospitality, with multiple areas for entertaining family and friends. Additionally, the client’s passion for gardening was to be a key element, ensuring the gardens and outdoor spaces were as integral to the home’s charm and functionality as its architectural elements.

The Reserve 01 is a sophisticated fusion of modern architecture and optimal functionality, embracing the tranquil beauty of its setting adjacent to a protected Fynbos reserve. Designed to maximize the integration of the natural surroundings, the residence features extensive use of large windows and glazed facades that offer panoramic views and abundant natural light. The architectural strategy includes a through-flow design that incorporates passive cooling, which is essential for maintaining comfort without compromising on environmental efficiency.

At the heart of The Reserve 01 is a strategically positioned kitchen, serving as the central hub for social interaction. This kitchen connects to various entertainment spaces, adaptable to South Africa’s varied climate conditions. Privacy is a key consideration in the layout, achieved through carefully placed screen walls and limited eastward openings, which ensure seclusion while harnessing the warmth of northern light.

Material choices play a critical role in defining the aesthetic and functional aspects of the home. Locally sourced Malmesbury shale stone, white plastered masonry, and natural timber provide a tactile sense of warmth and texture, complemented by contemporary elements of steel and glass that add a modern edge and enhance the structure’s indoor-outdoor flow. The south side of the home features a distinctive glazed facade with a deep external shading roof, thoughtfully designed to reduce visual impact while optimizing interior light.

One of the standout features of The Reserve 01 is the double-volume living wing, architecturally enhanced by a glass skylight that extends the full length of the wing. This design floods the interior with natural light and creates a striking visual continuity between the indoor environment and the sky above. Complementing this design is a suspended fireplace, which serves as a central focal point of the living space. The fireplace is mounted on a custom hand-chiseled Paarl rock base, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and integrating local materials that reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Together, these elements provide a unique architectural statement that combines functionality with aesthetic elegance.

Bryce Henderson Design’s drive towards sustainability is evident throughout The Reserve 01. The project incorporates several sustainable elements, including:

Passive Design Elements: Utilizing passive solar design principles, the building’s orientation and structure maximize natural light from the north while minimizing exposure to harsh Eastern and Western sun.

Energy Efficiency: High-performance glazing on all windows and doors improves thermal efficiency, minimizing heat gain during hot weather and heat loss during cooler months. Energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting reduce overall energy consumption, with 50% or more of the hot water supply ensured through non-resistive heating methods, such as solar water heaters.

Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses, reducing the demand on municipal water supplies.

Sustainable Materials: Locally sourced and sustainable materials, such as Malmesbury shale stone and natural timber, reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation and production.

Bryce Henderson Design, a Cape Town-based residential architecture and interior studio, focuses on enabling intentional living and self-expression through functional yet striking design. Their approach to designing and building custom homes is delightfully personal, stress-free, and empowering for clients.

To learn more about Bryce Henderson Design’s holistic approach to design visit their website https://www.bhd.design/ and see how they effortlessly create award-winning, sustainable spaces.