The Ber House, South Africa by Nico van der Meulen Architects

The Ber House challenges all kinds of perceptions about South Africa for those of us that know little about the country. Designed by local practice, Nico van der Meulen Architects, you would be forgiven for thinking it is a hotel or perhaps a private health retreat. It is certainly an essay in luxury living. The house is arranged as four distinct suites with communal living areas in the centre. It is effectively a simple rectangle surrounded by a fish pond and swimming pool. From the porte cochere is a bridge over the fish pond to the front door... a kind of moat one might think. The random steel cladding bars were originally conceived as security bars, but thankfully went through a metamorphosis in the design process and in that sense challenges old perceptions about the country. Complete with pyjama lounge for the kids, every last wish in a house is catered for.