ARRCC: contemporary masterpiece

Two icons, one spectacular result, is perhaps the best way to describe ARRCC’s contemporary masterpiece, Glen Villa, in Cape Town.

Set against the foot of Table Mountain, another one of the city’s iconic features, the contemporary build both takes inspiration from and compliments its surroundings with its mountain-grey exterior finishes in raw concrete and roughly hewn stone.

Originally designed by Antonio Zaninovic, ARRCC updated the property, enhancing its powerful connection with the surrounding landscape and magnificent city views.

“To be in an urban setting, yet with the powerful natural presence of Table Mountain, it inspired us to create an ‘urban resort,’” says ARRCC Director, Jon Case.

He continues: “ARRCC’s priority throughout was to harness the energy of the juxtaposition between the contemporary, clean-lined architectural forms with the powerful organic presence of the mountainside. The most significant architectural additions include a new garden pavilion, which replaced a small open structure, and the conversion and extension of a bedroom on the upper level to create a penthouse main suite. We also redesigned the interiors throughout the main house and added an enclosed wine room.”

Chamfered eaves, terraced lawns, glass walls and floor-to-ceiling glass doors were chosen to further extend the architectural language of the existing house, fusing man-made and natural elements and augmenting the experience of the setting.

Inside, ARRCC’s interior design team, headed up by Mark Rielly and Nina Sierra Rubia, worked closely with the client to bring their vision to life.

“The interiors are a collaborative vision working with local artisans focusing on the use of materials to reveal their natural beauty and purest form, shaping bespoke pieces that are raw and transforming them into objects of luxury,” says Rielly.

The result is a considered layering of architecture and interior design that brings together two iconic masterpieces to create a spectacular result – a serene yet luxurious home deeply fused with its setting, each highlighting the other.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, ARRCC works on striking projects both locally and abroad, applying its distinct, refined design sensibilities to residential, hospitality and leisure interiors around the globe. Aiming to redefine laid-back luxury, the acclaimed architecture firm has received numerous awards for its striking designs, including the Architizer A+ Awards: Best Interior Design Firm 2024 and Build Magazine Awards: Interior Design Studio of the Year 2024.

Contact: ARRCC