Architect: Nico van der Meulen and Michael Zietsman

This sizeable residence of approximately 1720 m² is situated on a beautiful rural site on the periphery of Lusaka, Zambia.

The house makes quite an impression as Nico designed a building that was circular in plan after the client expressed his liking of the Moscow House, also designed by Nico.   The curve creates a sense of protection and enclosure in the vast African bush.

Executing a circular building correctly is a challenge in itself, and made more difficult by the size of the programme.

Sculptures by Richard Serra served as inspiration and concept for the architects.  This is portrayed by curved slanting walls and the use of weathering steel as the main material for the exterior of the building, all of which form part of the overall design language, creating exciting and wonderful internal spaces.

Mimicking the curvatures of the building on the interior is a large sculpted spiral staircase, surrounded on either side by curved glass windows that allow for an excellent view of the beautiful setting.

The extensive programme of this residence stretches over five levels – basement, lower ground, ground, upper ground, and first floor.

The ground floor consists of a large double volume entrance foyer and formal lounge with the feature staircase suspended over an indoor reflection pond.  The rest of the ground floor levels consist of a spacious double volume family room, kitchen, dining area, and vast entertainment wing adjoining a private guest suite.  A chapel space and family museum can also be found on the ground floor level.

A private guest wing is located on the upper east ground floor, containing its own private amenities.

The first floor is allocated to house the private spaces and bedrooms, whilst the wine cellar and home theatre can be found in the basement.