CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
We followed Nico van der Meulen Architects for a while and loved their work and when the time came for us to build our dream home, there was no better architect to execute our vision than this family.
Working with the Nico van der Meulen Architects team has been an absolute delight. Over the past few years, the level of attentiveness and support we received from every member of the Nico van der Meulen Architects and M Square team has not changed from the start.
The commitment and passion of every member of this team is unmatched, making one feel like their only client. This level of dedication and communication really made us feel valued because often professionals have their vision and find it hard to incorporate what the clients have envisioned also.
This was never an issue with us and the Nico van der Meulen Architects team, as we would always look forward to each meeting.
Looking back now after having completed the project, with a few challenges along the way, we are grateful we had the Nico van der Meulen Architects team with us all the way.
If we are to build a masterpiece again, we would appoint Nico van der Meulen Architects to manage the new project.
Owner of Mooikloof Heights
Mooikloof Heights
Mooikloof Heights
Mooikloof Heights Residence is a contemporary three-storey home set on a 15,000 m² north-sloping site east of Tshwane, Gauteng. Conceived in response to the scale, topography, and views of the site, the home is defined by a strong relationship between architecture, landscape, light, and material.
The residence stretches almost 85 metres from east to west, allowing the northern elevation to open fully towards the valley and distant hills. Expansive glazing across three levels brings natural light deep into the interior, while recessed openings provide solar control and depth. In contrast, the western approach presents a more private composition of stacked rusted steel volumes, creating a clear balance between openness and enclosure.
The material palette is robust and grounded. Natural stone, rusted steel, exposed structure, screed floors, ribbed brass elements, and glass are brought together in a controlled architectural language. Slate excavated from the site was reused in gabion retaining walls or crushed into the landscape, allowing the garden and architecture to develop from the same terrain.
Arrival is carefully choreographed. As the driveway wraps around the house, the solid forms open into a transparent architectural canyon, framing views through the home. A steel sculpture marks the entrance, while further artworks contribute to the layered interior experience.
Internally, the house is organised around double-volume spaces, bridges, water features, and open-plan living areas that extend naturally to the lanai, pool, jacuzzi, terraces, and garden. The planning supports both everyday living and large-scale entertaining, with formal and informal living areas, a home theatre, executive study, guest wing, gym, children’s suites, and a private main suite arranged across multiple levels.
The lanai forms the social heart of the home, designed for the Highveld climate and oriented towards the expansive northern views over the landscaped terraces, reflecting pond, and Mooikloof Equestrian Estate beyond.
Mooikloof Heights Residence combines a confident architectural expression with a considered response to site, landscape, art, and indoor–outdoor living. Its language reflects a focus on spatial clarity, strong indoor–outdoor relationships, restrained contemporary materiality, and a home that feels both grounded and deeply personal.
