This Modern Home Overlooks The Equestrian Facility That Surrounds It

January 18, 2022
Metropole Architects has designed a contemporary home and equestrian facility.

Metropole Architects has recently completed the Oban Estate, a contemporary home and equestrian facility that’s located half an hour inland from the port city of Durban, South Africa.

Metropole Architects has recently completed the Oban Estate, a contemporary home and equestrian facility that's located half an hour inland from the port city of Durban, South Africa.

Upon arriving at the estate, people drive through a raw concrete and corten gatehouse and along a curved, tree-lined avenue before passing under a low slung cantilevered canopy that opens up into an expansive parking court.

Upon arriving at this modern estate, people drive through a raw concrete and corten gatehouse.
Upon arriving at the estate, people drive through a raw concrete and corten gatehouse and along a curved, tree lined avenue before passing under a low slung cantilevered canopy that opens up into an expansive parking court.

The design of the home takes on a simple arrangement of monolithic linear forms that project out across the vast manicured lawn and gently sloping paddocks.

The design of this modern home takes on a simple arrangement of monolithic linear forms that project out across the vast manicured lawn and gently sloping paddocks.

The house also includes a covered outdoor living and entertainment area, and a swimming pool.

This modern house includes a covered outdoor living and entertainment area, and a swimming pool.
A modern house with a swimming pool.

On entering the home, there’s an expansive unobstructed 10m (33 ft) opening that immediately provides unobstructed views.

On entering the home, there's an expansive unobstructed 10m (33 ft) opening that immediately provides unobstructed views.

A prominent V-column separates the entryway from the living room, that’s also open to the kitchen and has views of a 24m (80 feet) long koi pond.

A prominent V-column separates the entryway from the living room, that's also open to the kitchen and has views of a 24m (80 feet) long koi pond.

The nearby kitchen includes minimalist gray cabinets and an island with a wood countertop accent.

A modern kitchen with minimalist gray cabinets and an island with a wood countertop accent.

There’s also an open-plan dining area and a built-in wine cellar. Sculptural lighting elements add an artistic touch to the space.

This modern house has an open plan dining area and built-in wine cellar. Sculptural lighting elements add an artistic touch to the space.

A home office down a hallway with a curved concrete wall includes a lounge area, a large desk, and a custom wood wall unit with storage, shelving, and space for a TV.

A home office down a hallway with a curved concrete wall includes a lounge area, large desk, and a custom wood wall unit with storage, shelving, and space for a TV.

The feature staircase offers a sculptural backdrop to the double volume space that leads up to the mezzanine landing, while filtered light moves through the wall of vertical screens, as well as a series of 9 triangular skylights.

This feature staircase offers a sculptural backdrop to the double volume space that leads up to the mezzanine landing, while filtered light moves through the wall of vertical screens, as well as a series of 9 triangular skylights.
A modern open plan hallway with wood flooring.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are located upstairs, with one of the bathrooms showcasing wood slat walls, a glass-enclosed shower, and a freestanding bathtub.

A modern bathroom showcasing wood slat walls, a glass enclosed shower, and a freestanding bathtub.

The home also includes stables, an equestrian arena, and a bridle path.

A modern home estate with an equestrian field and stables.
A modern home estate with an equestrian field.

Watch the video below to see more of the home…

Photography by Grant Pitcher Photography | Architect: Metropole Architects (Design Architect: Nigel Tarboton, Project Architects: Tyrone Reardon & David Louis, Project Technologist: Chris Laird) | Building Contractor: Verbaan Construction | Engineer: Young & Satharia Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers | Quantity Surveyor: HiRise Consulting | Interiors: Egg Designs | Kitchen and Built in cupboards: Eurocasa | Landscaping: Arthur Mennigke (Naked Gardener) and/or Natal landscapes (PTY) Ltd | Equestrian incl Arena, bridle path and paddock fencing: Martin Collins