Nestled in Shelly Beach along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is Bahari Bay, a well-established eco-estate that a renowned local architect will soon call home. Vinodh Bridglall, founder of VHB Associates, has set his sights on Bahari Bay. In addition to designing The Executive, Bridglall is building his own home at the estate. 

Inspiration 

Captivated by the tranquil ambiance and natural splendour of Bahari Bay, Bridglall was inspired to build his own home there. “The first time I visited Bahari Bay, I was amazed. I was transported to a place outside Port Shepstone surrounded by animals, indigenous trees and exquisite fauna. 

“The estate is also secure, and you must follow specific guidelines to ensure that the look and feel of units remain the same throughout. I was genuinely taken aback by the experience to the point that I decided I wanted to build and create something special within this estate,” Bridglall explains. 

Besides designing and building his own home at Bahari Bay, Bridglall had a vision to create an exclusive development within the estate, called The Executive. The development consists of 14 exclusive double plots, totalling roughly between 1 600m² to 2 000m² per double plot. 

Bridglall chose a plot with challenging terrain, as it affords an expansive sea view while maintaining privacy and exclusivity.

Location 

According to Gawie Venter, developer of Bahari Bay, the estate encompasses over 50 hectares of untouched nature within its sprawling 100-hectare grounds. It offers residents an array of outdoor pursuits including scenic walking trails, hiking trails and a specially curated mountain biking trail. Bahari Bay also features seven picturesque catch-and-release dams and direct private beach access, making it an idyllic retreat for residents seeking tranquillity amidst nature. 

Inspired by the panoramic sea views and expansive natural surroundings, Bridglall envisioned an enclave of executive residences. “I’m also currently developing a home here for myself, which I have designed to live in. My initial inclination was to head north, erect a building there and relocate in that direction. However, I realised that rather than physically moving, I could bring the essence of the North Coast to the South Coast, right here where I have deep connections within the local community and flourishing businesses.” 

Home on a hill 

Bahari Bay offers a luxurious yet eco-friendly home on the South Coast.

According to Bridglall, when it came to designing his own residence, he intentionally selected what some might consider the most difficult site due to its sloping nature. “I opted for a plot with challenging terrain. However, this choice was deliberate as it afforded me the opportunity to capture the expansive sea view while maintaining privacy and exclusivity.” 

To accommodate the terrain, he incorporated a basement level into the design, featuring four parking bays and utility spaces, including those for the swimming pool, air-conditioning and gas tanks, as well as a staff room. 

The living spaces are integrated onto one level, featuring full glass frontage with pocket doors to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. This space includes a scullery kitchen, dining room, lounge and entertainment area with a home theatre. Upstairs, the bedrooms afford stunning sea views, completing this harmonious design. 

Executive style 

Highlighting the architectural style of The Executive residences, Bridglall emphasised a minimalist yet earthy feel, explaining: “This is characterised by straight lines, concrete slabs and roof gardens, to completely blend in with the natural environment. We have also incorporated sustainable elements to the design, such as low-E glazing and cantilevers to optimise energy efficiency and enhance the living experience.” 

Sustainability 

Emphasising the commitment to sustainability, The Executive residences will incorporate solar panels to harness renewable energy, significantly reducing each home’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, Bridglall has selected recycled materials for the external wall claddings, and flooring for decking, seamlessly blending eco-friendly practices with contemporary design.  

These sustainable choices not only enhance the development’s environmental credentials but also ensure a harmonious integration with the natural surroundings of Bahari Bay.  

As Bridglall succinctly puts it: “Bahari Bay is the best place to be. This is going to be the next gem on the South Coast, and the value that one finds in this area far surpasses that of the North Coast offerings.” 

A landmark development on the South Coast features an exclusive development within the estate, called The Executive. 

Acknowledgement and thanks go to VHB Associates for the information in this article.

For more information, visit www.baharibay.co.za.