A few architectural gems are scattered throughout the Midlands, particularly the gorgeous home of German couple Eva and Robert Fellner von Feldegg, nestled in the private Mahathunzi Wildlife Reserve, now known as Saxony. Fellner’s residence is in the highest extremity of the reserve overlooking Albert Falls Dam with the Karkloof Valley to the west and Otto’s Bluff to the east; the only location overseeing the entirety of the area. In 2014, the couple started working with George Elphick from the award-winning architectural firm EPA (Elphick Proome Architecture) to bring their vision for their South African home to life. Their home received prominent awards like the 2022 International Property Awards / African Property Awards for Best Architecture Single Residence in Africa and South Africa including being one of the top 100 ArchDaily published buildings in the world for 2021. The idea was to make it a family home and a space to live for several months out of the year to complement their broad travels.
Following a contemporary South African and European style, their house’s layout consists of three rectangular pavilions over two levels. It has a master bedroom, four smaller en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan living space, a workspace, staff rooms, a wine cellar, garaging, service facilities, a gym, a sauna, and a spectacular rim-free endless pool – of which its terrace is accessible from the entrance and main living area, making it one of the main attractions.
The Fellner’s home speaks space, which is the “primary idea” according to George. It forms the connection between the inside and outside and is designed in such a way that it becomes a beacon in its surrounding bushy landscape but simultaneously blends in with its architectural features.
The materials used to build the house were kept in their original form. The exterior ranges from rough-hewn sandstone, dark metal, corten steel, and balau hardwood. These create different textural experiences and a visual balance connecting the house with the natural environment.
The interiors are about simplicity and resourcefulness, from more dominant raw off-shutter concrete applied to a selection of walls and soffits to stucco walls, ecru-toned bulkheads, oak floors for some parts of the house, and veined granite to living areas.
While Eva and George worked closely together, she took care of the interior styling as she has a background in graphic design, and was able to apply her eye to aesthetic details. For example, their Leolux leather chairs from Europe have a modern and simple look so as not to take away from the architecture, which was a main focus for the couple. However, Eva still brought in the South African touch, she shared that “even with the furniture we have tried to cover them with local leather and furs, and some rooms have taxidermy wild animals to match the lodge character of so many wildlife houses”. Lighting was designed by a specialist light engineer, SLV from Germany, and installed by a local electrician. Eva praises her husband, Robert, who was the brain behind the lighting. Additionally, the interior design was also done by novospace and engineering by NVJ Consulting Engineers.
Sustainability and self-sufficiency are key aims for the Fellner’s house. Energy sources like Tesla batteries and a roof-plane photovoltaic array were used and supported by low-energy consumption fitments; gas cooking and low-energy space heating. Water is available from a borehole on the site, which is stored in tanks that supply the house.
The Fellner’s home perfectly embodies the architectural philosophy and design code of the Reserve, which is described in the following quote co-authored by George Elphick: “The architecture of Mahathunzi will be subservient to the landscape and reflect the values of a private reserve. The architecture will be for people who love the land, want to be in nature and seek peace and quiet. Thus the philosophy which derives the design principles is one of simplicity, directness, respect and humility”.
Words by: Alicia du Plessis
INTERIOR DESIGN – novospace
ENGINEERING – NVJ Consulting Engineers
Photo Credit: Karl Beath