< Previous54 In the large, open-plan living space, the sitting, dining and kitchen areas fl ow into each other. The cabinetry was made by a local joiner using rough wooden planks. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5425/08/2021 12:22:19 PMTOP ROW: The house is immersed in its setting thanks to a green roof. No seeding or planting was necessary – pioneering species covered the roof naturally. BOTTOM ROW: On arrival, the house is so well hidden that all you see is a single curved stone wall that prompts you to follow the path towards the glass front door, which pivots open to the interior. In years gone by, farmers had cleared the surrounding fi elds of stones and left large stacks ready to be used for building. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5525/08/2021 12:22:29 PM56 The house is so well hidden that gentle architectural prompts were added to guide visitors to the front door. A stone wall at the top of the path starts low, at ground level, and rises as it curves towards the entrance of the house. “It invites people to come in,” he says. Once you’re inside, the house opens up – from the entrance hall, the high-ceilinged living area draws in the view. As you head towards the bedroom wing, however, the volumes shrink. “The roof of the house is on one plane,” explains Xavier, but the fl oor follows the natural slope of the land, creating cosier, more intimate spaces closer to the hillside. Just as the architecture becomes part of the landscape, so the furniture becomes an extension of the architecture. The brothers designed the built-in sofas and cabinets in a way that makes you feel as if you are sitting on the ground. The shift in perspective creates a sense of communion with nature. “Except for the glass and mirror, there is nothing that is smooth,” says Xavier. “Most of the house has texture and depth and warm colours.” The granite fl oors, too, seem of the earth itself – and are a key part of the way the house functions in harmony with nature. The climate here has huge temperature variations, particularly in winter, which can be harnessed to make artifi cial heating and cooling unnecessary; these massive granite slabs soak up the sun all day, and radiate warmth into the room at night. Similarly, the thick earth walls, green roof and shutters are remarkably eff ective at keeping the interiors cool in summer – often 10C lower than the temperature outside. At the heart of the house is a sunken dome with a skylight at its apex. As well as serving as a counterpoint to all the sleek, straight lines, the dome was an experiment in using earthbag construction. Xavier points out that it’s a technique NASA favoured for building on the moon, “because the only component you need is a roll of bags”. The duo decided not to build with a contractor. Rather, they worked with local farm labourers, training and “upskilling” them in the idiosyncratic techniques they were experimenting with. Xavier hopes the house will change perceptions of earth houses more broadly. As much as he wanted to demonstrate that the techniques and materials he’s built with can look sleek and modern, he also wanted to prove to locals that the vernacular techniques they were familiar with have value. “The reason they were building with earth was it was the right thing to do,” says Xavier. “These techniques evolved over millennia. Old building methods and natural materials can be taken in new directions, and we hope that by adding a grain of sand to the pile, we can slowly shift perceptions.” www.glh.co.za ABOVE FROM LEFT: In the main living area, the vast windows slide away completely into wall cavities, connecting it seamlessly with the outdoors; owner Xavier Huyberechts. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5625/08/2021 12:27:13 PM“ Building with earth was was the right thing to do. These techniques evolved over millennia ” A circular skylight pours light into the sunken dome at the heart of the house, built using earthbag construction. The mud and straw plaster was painted with a mixture of fl our, water and soil for colour. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5725/08/2021 12:27:32 PM58 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The eco swimming pool includes two fi ltration ponds with plants and soil that clean the water. While the water is crystal clear the pool is fully alive: “It’s full of tadpoles and dragonfl ies and it attracts a lot of birds,” says Xavier; a serene guest bedroom; the principal bedroom includes a study nook; along the passageway, a window seat looks out over the path to the entrance of the house, making a perfect reading spot. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5825/08/2021 12:28:28 PMA rich variety of materials – timber, stone, granite, adobe and rammed earth – impart textural sensory richness to the otherwise restrained principal bedroom. AD_040_50-59_Arena_South Africa_11730073.indd 5925/08/2021 12:29:04 PM60 In the dining area, a custom table by The Line Concept is surrounded by Ghost chairs by Kartell. The fl oor tiles are from RAK Ceramics. OPPOSITE PAGE: A 101 Copenhagen vase sits in a staircase alcove. the walls are fi nished with Microcem concrete-eff ect paint by Mas Paints. AD_040_60-67_Arena_Dubai_11750649.indd 6025/08/2021 03:49:56 PMNEXT LEVEL In Dubai, a style-setting duo has created a pared back, serene haven filled with contemporary art and elevated design Words Jessica Doyle Photography Ingrid Rasmussen AD_040_60-67_Arena_Dubai_11750649.indd 6125/08/2021 03:50:05 PMIn the living room, a painting by Afshin Pirhashemi hangs above a sofa draped in a custom-made beige linen cover; the coff ee table was custom-made by The Line Concept. AD_040_60-67_Arena_Dubai_11750649.indd 6225/08/2021 03:50:11 PMCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Homeowners Shahryar Sheibani and Saina Babaee; chunky ceramics add texture in the TV room; the minimalist upper landing; the family relax in the TV room; a B&B Italia sofa, seen through the arched entrance to the living room. 63 AD_040_60-67_Arena_Dubai_11750649.indd 6325/08/2021 03:50:21 PMNext >