LIVING 35
you start realising you don’t really need that much.” Yet, despite its eco pedigree and an intentional
focus on getting back to basics, there’s been no loss in aesthetic quality. The family’s Ecomo pod home is a happy marriage of clean, pared-down, contemporary lines and warm tones and textures. The home consists of two adjacent pods that create three main living areas – a 50m2 central living and
kitchen space, and the couple’s and young Antonio’s bedrooms situated on either side of it. Off the living area is a covered deck – the perfect perch for afternoon naps and midnight star-gazing. Every window off ers extraordinary views of the
magnifi cent surroundings, no matter the season. “In spring, it’s incredible – you can see the fl owers emerge to carpet the landscape. In the winter months, we spend a lot of time cosied up next to the fi re,” says Amanda, who adds that the wealth of bird life which frequents their garden in spring and summer is a source of great entertainment for them. The home’s specifi cally designed to let the
outside in, which – during summer – is imperative: temperatures regularly reach 40o
allow for much-needed ventilation. Of the interiors, Amanda explains: “Pietro
designed and made a lot of the furniture himself – he likes a leanly-lined aesthetic, while I’m a little more Bohemian and appreciate things that have a history and tell a story, so we worked hard to marry the two styles. We wanted the furniture to be
C and the open sides
13
OFF THE LIVING AREA IS A COVERED DECK – THE PERFECT PERCH FOR AFTERNOON NAPS AND MIDNIGHT STAR-GAZING.
14
comfortable, warm, accessible and in keeping with the natural tones and hues of the veld, the often moody sky and the Rooiberg mountain pass, with its blood-red boulders.” They’ve indeed achieved that vision by working with a palette of natural hues and textures. Solid wood, slubby linens and natural tones and textures are visible at every turn and touch, and the eff ect’s at once easy on the eye and welcoming, inviting visitors to cast off their shoes and sink to the fl oor to watch a sunset or simply gaze at the beautiful, unspoilt Karoo views. While there’s no denying the beauty of the
Ecomo’s surroundings and interior, what this home gives the Russo family is something more valuable. “Connecting tow nature in all its rawness, not being governed by a strict schedule and the abundance of space and silence are all things we look forward to when we come here from the city,” says Amanda. “Above all, our home gives us time to really enjoy
each other and refl ect on our lives and, of course, this magnifi cent place.”
www.ecomohome.com
12. The generous outdoor deck provides another living space that’s close to the spectacular surroundings. 13. Pietro and Amanda’s bedroom, dressed in natural hues and textures, is designed to access the extraordinary Karoo views. 14. Raw wood and plywood detailing in the bathroom refl ect the couple’s appreciation of naturally textured materials.
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