Photographs Greg Cox
Text Robyn Alexander
Styling Sven Alberding
Combining the bold linearity and materiality of its architecture with exuberantly art-filled interiors, this Cape Town home is an inspired take on relaxed family living, 21st-century style.
“Francis isn’t impressed by it at all,” laughs homeowner Willeen Le Roux, talking about the striking raw-brick facade of the Cape Town house she shares with her nine-year-old son and partner, creative director Craig Ferguson. “We’ve tried to explain that the inspiration came from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, but he isn’t convinced.” Young Francis has dubbed their home “the Minecraft house,” seeing it as a building block from the popular online game. Even after five years here, he still asks, “When are we going to paint the outside of the house?”
Bold architectural lines, a zesty red-brick facade and “popped-out” steel window frames make this home stand out in Zwaanswyk, a tranquil, equestrian hillside suburb of Cape Town, where new homes are usually low-slung, plastered and painted in soft, pale shades.
The project, designed by Cape Town architects Beatty Vermeiren, began in early 2019 and was completed during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, despite a few supply challenges. Willeen explains that they were drawn to the YSL Museum’s natural bricks and peachy terracotta tiles: “We just liked the simplicity of the materials, showing the brickwork and using its patterns to make something beautiful.”
Inside, Willeen and Craig initially thought they would go minimal, but quickly realised they wanted more colour and visual interest. Their interiors reflect a love of bold design and playful detail, matching the exterior’s confident lines.
After moving from a semi-detached Victorian in Woodstock, the family now enjoys their paddock surrounded by trees and horses. The family certainly doesn’t regret making the leap: surrounded by horses – they revel in the quietly peaceful atmosphere of the area, and spend most of their leisure time relaxing and entertaining at home. “Even the light feels very different in Zwaanswyk, where it has a softness, a golden quality,” says Willeen. “The mornings and late afternoons are especially beautiful.”
The double-volume entrance hall leads to the stairway upstairs and doubles as a gallery space for Willeen and Craig’s impressive collection of local contemporary art,including works by Cleon Petersen and Shepard Fairey. A vibrant Moroccan rug, sourced on a recent trip to Marrakech, adds colour underfoot, while the Hawker benchis by Tonic Design.
Relaxed and light-filled, the living room is grounded by a rug from Herringbone. Custom wooden panelling – crafted and installed by Craigduring lockdown – adds warmth, with artwork by John Murray completing the scene.
A built-in terrazzo plinth set against the glazing, with a slim shelf above, creates a sculptural display for layered indoor greenery.
Architects Beatty Vermeirenintroduced a corrugated formwork mould to shape sections of the concrete ceilings, one of which defines the open-plan dining area. Floor-to-ceiling glazing floods thespace with light and opens onto the pool terrace. The solid wood dining table was made by Craig.
Anchored by a rug from Frances VH, the main bedroom enjoys dual-aspect views. The wooden bed and rattan-and-oak Milk bench are by Houtlander, paired witha colourful bedspread from Nosso.
The en suite bathroom features a bath from Lavo Bathroom Concepts. Textured green tiles by Wolkberg Casting Studios adddepth, while planters by Pedersen + Lennard and Pezula Interiors soften the space.
The colour-saturated guest bedroomfeatures a bed from Weylandts, layered with a bedspread from African Jacquard. Artwork is by Paul Senyol.
A petite shelf by Pedersen + Lennarddisplays Willeen’s bear, shark and hand figurines, alongside an artwork by Daniel Levi.
The covered outdoor dining area sits beside a built-in barbecue and is furnished with a table and benches by James Mudge. Large blue glazed ceramic bottles fromWiid Design add sculptural impact.