By Anna-Marie Smith, Project Co-ordinator Avril Elias, Photography Grant Pitcher
Those lucky enough to live in the 700-hectare Zimbali Coastal Resort, along the magnificent Dolphin Coastline, say this lifestyle draws families closer in more ways than one. What might be gained while living here could be long-term dividends of the unquantifiable sort, they say.
Perhaps since such an abundance of beauty within natural surroundings, where wildlife and humans gather in harmony, brings about peace and tranquillity. Simple pleasures such as enjoying the splendour of this sub-tropical forest on foot, while possibly encountering wildlife on the way are regular occurrences.
In addition, say these home owners who appreciate their good fortune, is the estate’s close proximity to nearby amenities. Drives to schools and to local restaurants take little more than a few minutes to travel five or six kilometres to Ballito Bay, while the centre of Durban is only 45km away.
And so the magnificent forest setting for this contemporary home does more than justice to the unique architectural design. While remaining within the confines of the architectural guidelines of the estate, it reflects an innovative approach of imaginative interpretations that were created out of the ordinary living spaces.
Nigel Tarboton of Metropole Architects says this design is an appropriate response to the sub-tropical climatic conditions of this area, where deep overhangs and wrap-around verandahs created spacious living areas, as well as generous floor-to-ceiling heights.
As far as the owners are concerned, whose everyday existence has been altered in many positive ways, there is little to beat the peace and tranquillity from this privileged perching point. Already spoilt for choice after living elsewhere on the estate, where they had the freedom of lapping up ocean views and salty sea breezes, they say when this forest location became available it presented them with a natural lifestyle option previously only explored in nature reserves.
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