Albizia House is a contemporary family home designed by Metropole Architects. It is located in Simbithi Eco-Estate in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and boasts of simplicity but also of a high degree of sophistication.
It was used a palette of natural materials that include timber screens, decking and cladding, off-shutter concrete and stone cladding, which turned the project into an eco-friendly home.
The water is the leitmotif of the house due to its extensive use in the design of the dwelling that includes a 25 meter lap pool with a glass panel between the water and the basement cinema room and a shallow reflective pond on the approach site.
Photo: Grant Pitcher
The design sounds impressive, but can you provide more details on how the materials and water features specifically contribute to the home’s eco-friendliness? Claims like “eco-friendly” need clear evidence to back them up.
Thank you for your question! The home uses sustainably sourced timber and recycled materials, reducing environmental impact. Water features recycle greywater for irrigation, minimizing waste. Together, these elements enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable living throughout the design.