Pluto’s Castle
“Pluto’s Castle” is an innovative concept inspired by ancient Mediterranean architecture, particularly suited to climates like South Africa’s, where indoor and outdoor living seamlessly merge. The design is centered on creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings while maintaining privacy and security.
Security has always been a top priority in Mediterranean-style homes, which are often introverted, meaning their rooms are arranged around one or more inner courtyards. The exterior typically features a plain appearance, while the interior spaces are beautiful, comfortable, and sometimes even luxuriously designed. This concept has been reimagined in “Pluto’s Castle” to create a virtually impenetrable structure. From the outside, it appears as a typical house but lacks conventional windows, with slits in the outer walls for ventilation, ensuring both security and style.
The design of the home revolves around an inner courtyard, with each room offering modern amenities that cater to today’s lifestyle. These include open-plan entertainment areas, en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen with a scullery, and any other spaces the owner desires, such as a gym, library, study, playroom, or home cinema.
Living in this home ensures security, privacy, and comfort.
All windows and doors open into the inner or smaller courtyards, allowing them to be kept open at all times. The main courtyard acts as an additional living and entertainment space, which can be tiled, fitted with a wooden deck, or transformed into a garden. This layout also provides a safe environment for children to play, as they can be easily monitored from every room in the house.
SECURITY – COMFORT – PRIVACY
The building can be designed in any size or style, whether single, double, or even triple storey, and can reflect various architectural styles such as modern, Mediterranean, or Georgian, based on the client’s preferences.
The costs are comparable to traditional construction, depending on the materials chosen and the client’s selection of finishes and fixtures. The architect and his family have been living in a similar “Castle” for over 20 years, enjoying the security and privacy it offers. The design takes energy efficiency into account, and the option of incorporating a roof garden has already been considered.
