Desai House by Metropole Architects Brings Tropical Modern Elegance
Metropole Architects has completed the Desai House in Zimbali Estate, Ballito, South Africa, featuring a design inspired by Tropical Modern Architecture. Intended for a site offering views of Holy Hill and lush coastal forest, the house incorporates features like large eaves and timber screens to ensure a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Natural vegetation and coastal views
Casa Desai, by Metropole Architects, is set in the Zimbali Coastal Forest Estate in Ballito, South Africa. The “green field” was characterized by the dense natural vegetation of the coastal forest and views of the protected natural area, Holy Hill, to the east. A mature Flat Crown tree stands at the front boundary, adding to the unique setting.

Modern Tropical Architecture
Metropole Architects were inspired by Modern Tropical Architecture to design Casa Desai. The elemental roof forms with large eaves, protruding upper floors, wooden screens and pergolas are key features of this style. The architecture also emphasizes a continuous interior and exterior flow, enhanced by the lush landscaping that surrounds the house.

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Incorporating a lap pool
The client’s brief included a request for a lap pool, which was creatively integrated into the architecture of the house. The pool stretches 15 meters along the north side of the ground floor and wraps a further 8 meters around the covered entertainment area on the east side. A glass panel ends the pool in the entrance hall, establishing a link between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Glass Box Layout
The layout of the living spaces on the first floor is executed as a “glass box” open on the north and east sides. This configuration contrasts with the more solid spaces on the west and south sides, taking advantage of natural light and views and improving indoor-outdoor flow. This strategic arrangement ensures that residents can enjoy the surrounding landscape and the pool from various angles inside the house.

Concrete cantilever and wooden pergola
A notable design feature is the concrete roof element that extends like an extensive concrete cantilever and a wooden pergola over the pool. This architectural choice serves to visually scale the building, controlling the vertical proportions. It also creates a sense of drama and excitement, which is further manifested in the double-volume stepped entrance hall and various other spaces.
The combination of these elements in Metropole Architects’ Desai House results in a design that interacts perfectly with its natural surroundings.

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Photography courtesy of Metropole Architects
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