Brook House by Metropole Architects, A Floating Haven of Light, Water, and Sculptural Geometry
Architecture Design of Brook House
Description About The Project
Brook House by Metropole Architects blends sculptural concrete, floating planes, tropical light, and water gardens into a serene, resort-like contemporary home.
The Project “Brook House” Information:
- Project Name: Brook House
- Location: South Africa
- Designed by: Metropole Architects
Introduction
Set within a lush subtropical landscape, Brook House by Metropole Architects is a poetic interplay of water, geometry, and weightless architecture. Conceived as a tranquil retreat, the home unfolds around reflecting ponds, floating planes, and sweeping open spaces that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Speaking with Luxury Houses Magazine, lead architect Darryn David Retief describes the project as “a home designed to slow down time—where water, light, and shadow come together to create an atmosphere of calm immersion.”
SEE MORE: Wing House by STATE of Architecture, A Three-Wing Sanctuary Sculpted by Landscape
Architectural Concept
The central idea of Brook House is levitation—light, airy volumes appearing to hover above water features and landscaped courtyards. Long horizontal rooflines glide across the site like slender wings, supported by sculptural columns and softened by timber soffits.
The primary circulation spine runs along a koi pond, transforming the simple act of moving through the home into a serene ritual. As Retief explains in his interview with Luxury Houses Magazine,
“We wanted the architecture to feel as though it was resting gently on the land, never dominating it. The water features anchor the project emotionally and visually—they are the heartbeat of the home.”
This design strategy creates a sense of approach and arrival, guiding residents from enclosed, shaded areas into bright, expansive living spaces filled with natural light.
SEE MORE: Central Axis House by STATE of Architecture, A Modern Villa in Perfect Balance
Spatial Strategy & Design Narrative
Brook House is organized as a series of interlocking wings, each with its own relationship to water, landscape, and sky.
Living Pavilion
The main living area is conceived as a transparent pavilion—floor-to-ceiling glazing retracts to reveal open views of the pool terrace and tropical vegetation. A cantilevered concrete roof shades the space, while clerestory openings draw daylight deep into the interior.
Private Quarters
Bedrooms are deliberately positioned for privacy, each connected to garden courts or water edges. The experience is one of quiet retreat: muted materials, filtered daylight, and controlled views create an intimate atmosphere.
Outdoor Living
Generous terraces extend from every social space, echoing resort-style living. The infinity-edge pool reflects the moving sky, creating a mirror-like surface that visually expands the property.
The architects emphasize that the home evolves with the sun. Retief notes, “Throughout the day, the house performs differently. Morning light bounces off the water, midday shadows stretch under the cantilevers, and at dusk, the architecture becomes a silhouette.”
Materiality and Atmosphere
The palette is refined yet warm:
- Textured concrete for sculptural presence
- Timber ceilings for softness
- Steel and glass for transparency
- Stone floors that echo the natural setting
These materials were selected not only for aesthetics but also for longevity in a humid, subtropical climate. Water—through ponds, reflection pools, and the main swimming terrace—acts as a unifying material, cooling the microclimate and grounding the home.
SEE MORE: Bay Villa by LW Design Group, A Sculptural Coastal Sanctuary on Jumeirah Bay Island
Interior Architecture
Inside, the atmosphere is minimalist but richly sensorial.
Neutral colors, expansive glazing, and natural textures create an environment that feels both modern and tranquil. Custom joinery, soft furnishings, and carefully curated art complete the spatial narrative.
The circulation itself becomes an architectural experience. Glass bridges cross over ponds, while shaded verandas frame shifting patterns of greenery and light. This choreography ensures that every room feels connected to nature.
SEE MORE: City Villa by ARRCC Showcases Bold Geometric Design and Breathtaking Urban Views
Landscape Integration
Brook House is inseparable from its landscape. Every architectural decision reinforces a deep connection to water, breeze, and greenery. Plantings soften the edges of concrete forms, while water gardens attract wildlife and enhance the sense of sanctuary.
The design enhances natural airflow throughout the home, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Overhangs, ventilation paths, and shaded outdoor rooms all contribute to a comfortable passive environment.
SEE MORE: House Da Silva by Metropole Architects, Where Geometry Meets Ocean Calm on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast
A Living Sculpture of Calm and Clarity
Brook House stands as a testament to Metropole Architects’ mastery of tropical modernism—light, water, form, and atmosphere crafted into a gentle architectural statement.
In his final reflection to Luxury Houses Magazine, architect Darryn David Retief said: “Architecture should elevate everyday living. For Brook House, our goal was to create a home where the surroundings are not just seen—they are felt, heard, and lived with.”
It is this commitment to sensory richness, material harmony, and contextual intelligence that defines Brook House as one of Metropole Architects’ most serene and sculptural residential works.
Photo credit: | Source: Metropole Architects
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 271 Problem Mkhize Rd, Essenwood, Durban, 4001, South Afirca
– Tel: +27 31 303 7858
– Email: info@metropolearchitects.com
More Projects in South Africa here:
- Kloof 151 by SAOTA, A Sculptural Family Home Overlooking Clifton’s Dramatic Coastline
- Clifton View 7 by SAOTA, Luxury Design Redefining Atlantic Ocean Living
- House Ven by Studio Vision, Modern Coastal Living on South Africa’s Garden Route
- House A6 by Studiovision, Sculptural Modernism Amid South African Landscapes
- D13 House by GSQUARED Architects Blends Modern Minimalism with Cape Town’s Natural Beauty
