Brave design for the Gota Dam residence in Zimbabwe. London based Studio Seilern Architects', headed by ex-Vinoly UK boss, Christina Seilern and Sforza Seilern Architects have designed a stunning residence in strife torn Zimbabwe. A rare opportunity in these difficult times.

The site lies in the Forrester estate, an agricultural farmland one hour North of Harare. The building will be situated on top of a granite rock overlooking the man-made Gota Dam. The area is, to say the least, breathtaking and awe-inspiring, and deserves a piece of architecture that will render homage to its setting and beauty.

The house consists of three basic elements: Two granite blocks, enclosing bedrooms and support spaces, anchor the building into the rock, and become part of the surrounding topography. An oversized timber platform and a cantilevering roof frame the exterior spaces and the panoramic views. These are designed to focus the eye to the horizon, while creating shaded exterior spaces and living and dining areas.

Two glass boxes span between the deck, the roof and the natural granite topography. These enclose the living areas at the upper level, and the master bedroom suite at the lower level. They are transparent enclosures that emphasise again the views and the feeling of living within the natural granite. A smaller horizon pool at the lower level will visually integrate the body of water crated by the Dam, and the lower levels of the house.