design et al are delighted to announce that Michele Throssell Interiors have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – Global Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2019
Though initially designed by Nick Plewman Architects (NPA), Michele Throssell Interiors, together with NPA, were approached in 2018 to breathe new life into Toulon House. The homeowner, who is passionate about wildlife and has interests in the game lodges in the area, wanted a space that would meet the needs of the family, their friends and the business associates who visit their home frequently.
Michele Throssell Interiors took inspiration from the surrounding landscape, particularly the dappled light that shines through the Knobthorn and Tamboti trees indigenous to this area. With this in mind, they used a palette of greys, charcoals, deep blues and greens and wove together a rich mix of textures in the fabrics and material selected. To maximise the use of the outdoor space, Michele Throssell Interiors expanded the entertainment area to include a sunken firepit and bar, thereby taking full advantage of the game viewing opportunities.
The spatial planning was carefully considered so that all rooms look out onto the Sand River, meaning that one feels very connected to the unique African bushveld and the amazing wildlife that surrounds. With each bedroom being en-suite, both guests and family members benefit from their own private cocoons whilst still being able to interact in the social spaces that spill out around the swimming pool. Michele Throssell Interiors created an easy flow between the internal and external spaces which provides the clients with unparalleled vistas of the Sabi Sands Reserve whilst remaining, to a large extent, unobtrusive. The design is simple yet comforting and inviting.
Each room was to have a unique look with a deep sense of contemporary and elegant African style, whilst facing the challenge of respecting and utilising what was already in place yet adding to it for a completely different look. The distinct elements to the house include cladding the outside bar with Rainforest Brown marble and using 100 year old Leadwood planks to create custom-designed headboards. Local stonemasons were crucial to building the softly curved stone walls – a key characteristic of the house’s architecture. Handmade clay tiles, made in South Africa, were selected for the bathrooms while grass baskets and rugs, traditionally woven across Africa were used extensively throughout.