72 DIGS.NET
| 10.7.22
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P R O F I L E | C H E E TA H P L A I N S
Driven by its dynamic locale, Cheetah
Plains is, almost by definition, at one with
its environment. One telegraphs the other
in a series of seamless indoor and outdoor
spaces that form the spine of a design that
is both pure and distinct, and character-
ized as an interplay of light and geometry.
Diverting from the typical typology, accom-
modation is split into separate, private
components called Plains Houses—clus-
ters of free-standing buildings arranged to
accommodate the landscape's more stun-
ning natural features and views with mini-
mal intrusion. At the heart of each Plains
House is a communal living space with
an entertaining lounge, living and dining
room areas, an expansive swimming pool
with deck, an outdoor boma, a wine gallery
and a gourmet chef's kitchen. Surrounding
this space are standalone, impeccably
styled bedroom suites with a persuasively
easy feeling. It's really a gallant show of
ARRCC's pitch-perfect instincts.
Refreshingly, Cheetah Plains does not
strive to meet conventional aesthetic
expectations. Its tenor is fresh and focused.
Decoration is deliberate and restrained.
ates 100% off grid and flexes what is a
five-star show of solar power—but in its
award-winning design by ARRCC. Exter-
nally and internally, the Cape Town-based
design studio relied on resilient materials
that would, in its telling, allow themselves to
be "shaped and aged by the environment
and by time." Stone, concrete walls, and
black steel cladding—all were configured
to strike a contemporary tone.
