joanviljoen

Featured on the cover of Home Beautiful Australia, Elle Decor Japan and House & Leisure March/April issue

Its not everyday that one has the opportunity to work on a brief calling for the creation of a “wonderland” of a home. Add to this a client with the appreciation and passion for the artistic process, and a talented architectural team whom I had the privilege to work closely with from the design stage onwards. This resulted in a home where the exterior and interior were meticulously crafted together and formed into something extraordinary.

Through the use of outlandish features like the asymmetrical pitched roof, barn-like garage, Tim Burton-style forged metal work and embellished European brickwork all mixed into one, the architecture has a matchless quality to it that can be described as imperfectly perfect, creating a sense of wonder from the outside. Inside, beautiful natural light seeps into the living areas via clerestory windows and the constant change in light throughout the day creates an element of make-believe. Nature is welcomed in through high volume sliding doors connecting both the front courtyard and back garden and a conservatory sits nestled under a crabapple tree off the main living area, creating a focal point. All the decor, except for a handful of pieces, had to be acquired new to perfectly fit the needs of the space. We wanted the newly built home to have an old-soul feel to it - like a regal old gem hidden in a European countryside. This was achieved through the layering of unique interior architectural features, the distinct selection of hard finishes and furniture pieces that defy trends, are comfortable and unpretentious yet stylistically unusual with an emphasis on quality materials that would stand the test of time.

What made this project such a delight to work on was the owner’s enthusiasm to see creativity pushed beyond borders and her sentiment of art also found in a beautifully designed furniture piece that can be used every day.

“Joan was part of the design of the house from an early stage and her creative input was very important in many ways. Her attention to detail and knowledge of spatial planning and layout is evident in every room. Add to this how she really understood and brought the atmosphere of calmness and harmony into the interior with her sense of colour and choice of special pieces of furniture put together with beautiful artwork. Joan is a true artist and made it possible for me to live with and enjoy her work every day in this unique and beautiful surroundings.” Elsa Hertzog (home owner)

Architecture: Wynand Wilsenach Architects; Landscaping: DDS Projects
Photography: Alain Proust & Elsa Young/Frank Features (Copyrighted)