Mara Residence is situated in the beautiful town of Makhado (Louis Trichardt), at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range, in the Limpopo province. Extensive alterations to an existing par-built structure were implemented in order to resolve spatial planning and enhance the flow of the interior programme.

The site is open towards a very informal street atop the slope of a hill, with primary views of the town in the valley towards the south.

The building was extended towards the east allowing the structure to sit lightly on the site. Car showrooms float effortlessly over a new indoor swimming pool and entertainment space, making it accessible from a secondary driveway level on the first storey.

Intricate aluminium screens were used to elevate the existing facades and to tie in with the new. Tactile materials such as exposed concrete and rough granite-clad walls feature throughout the building, creating a strong contrast, whilst adding an abundance of texture.

Mara residence is a good example of how we can transform a poorly planned space into a signature Nico van der Meulen project.