House BNLNM by Nico van der Meulen Architects, A Contemporary Reinvention Along the Fairways
Architecture Design of House BNLNM
Description About The Project
House BNLNM by Nico van der Meulen Architects is a contemporary alteration in Copperleaf Country Estate, defined by steel-and-glass architecture, fluid entertainment spaces, and a seamless indoor–outdoor lifestyle oriented around a golf course setting.
The Project “House BNLNM” Information:
- Project Name: House BNLNM
- Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
- Designed by: Nico van der Meulen Architects
Reimagining a Home Within Copperleaf Country Estate
Set within the prestigious Copperleaf Country Estate, directly along the golf course, House BNLNM represents a carefully considered alteration and addition that transforms an existing residence into a contemporary, entertainment-focused home. Rather than starting from scratch, Nico van der Meulen Architects approached the project as an architectural reinvention—one that enhances spatial flow, material clarity, and the relationship between indoors and outdoors.
“The intention was to modernize the home while unlocking its full potential as an entertainment space,” explains Nico van der Meulen Architects. “The golf course setting demanded openness, transparency, and a strong visual connection to the landscape.”
The result is a house that feels both expansive and grounded, responding directly to its environment while elevating everyday living.
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Steel and Glass as Architectural Catalyst
At the heart of the transformation is the introduction of a new steel-and-glass roof and façade. This contemporary intervention redefines the home’s architectural identity, replacing heaviness with lightness and allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior.
Structural walls were selectively demolished to create a larger, uninterrupted internal entertainment zone. This newly opened plan dissolves traditional boundaries between living, dining, and leisure spaces, enabling the interior to function as a flexible social environment.
“Steel and glass allowed us to achieve both structural clarity and visual lightness,” the architects note. “They act as a unifying language between the existing structure and the new architectural expression.”
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Living Organized Around Water and Flow
The ground floor is deliberately organized around an L-shaped swimming pool, which becomes the spatial anchor of the home. Every major living space opens directly onto the pool terrace, reinforcing a sense of continuity between inside and outside.
Large sliding doors fully retract, transforming the ground level into a single fluid environment where entertainment naturally spills outdoors. Whether hosting large gatherings or enjoying quiet moments by the pool, the architecture adapts effortlessly to different modes of living.
“The pool is not treated as an accessory,” says the design team. “It is central to how the house is experienced, visually and socially.”
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A Sunken Boma for Contemporary Entertaining
Complementing the pool terrace is a newly introduced north-facing sunken boma—an architectural gesture that expands the home’s entertainment possibilities while responding to climate and orientation. Nestled into the landscape, the boma provides a sheltered yet open-air gathering space, ideal for evening fires, casual dining, or relaxed conversation.
This addition enhances the versatility of the house, allowing multiple entertainment zones to operate simultaneously without feeling disconnected.
“We wanted to create layered outdoor experiences,” explains Nico van der Meulen Architects. “The sunken boma adds intimacy and contrast to the openness of the pool terrace.”
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A Home Designed for Social Living
House BNLNM is ultimately defined by its adaptability. Through strategic demolition, material refinement, and spatial reorganization, the residence evolves into a home that supports modern lifestyles centered on connection, openness, and ease of movement.
The architecture does not overpower the golf course landscape but frames it—using transparency, orientation, and flow to maintain a constant dialogue with the surrounding fairways.
In its refined transformation, House BNLNM stands as a compelling example of how contemporary architecture can emerge through thoughtful alteration—enhancing both the character of the original home and the quality of life within it.
Photo credit: | Source: Nico van der Meulen Architects
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 43 Grove St, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194, South Africa
– Tel: +27 11 789 5242
– Email: marketing@nicovdmeulen.com
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