Nico van der Meulen Architects
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Nico van der Meulen Architects is a South African architecture firm based in Johannesburg, founded in 1984 by architect Nico van der Meulen. The practice is recognised for designing modern residences and commercial buildings that emphasise structural expression, transparency, and integration between indoor and outdoor spaces.[1][2]
History
editThe firm was established in 1984 by South African architect Nico van der Meulen.[1] Since its founding, the practice has specialised in contemporary residential design and has become one of the country’s best-known architecture studios.[2] Nico’s son, architect Werner van der Meulen, joined the practice in later years and now serves as a director and principal architect alongside his father.[3]
Design approach
editThe practice’s architectural style is characterised by the use of exposed steel structures, open-plan layouts, and an emphasis on the visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.[4] Projects frequently feature large expanses of glass and double-volume living areas designed to maximise natural light. The firm’s work has been published internationally in outlets such as ArchDaily and Designboom.[5][6]
Notable projects
edit- House Ber – Johannesburg, South Africa (2012), a contemporary home featuring double-volume living spaces and steel framing.[7]
- House Duk – Johannesburg, South Africa (2015), noted for its geometric steel structures and open courtyards.[8]
- Sandton Residence – Sandton, Gauteng, a large modern home designed with integrated outdoor living areas.[9]
- House Abo – Johannesburg, South Africa, described by World-Architects as a steel-and-glass structure that merges indoor and outdoor living.[10]
- House in Blair Atholl – Gauteng, South Africa, designed to connect with its natural surroundings through glass walls and open volumes.[11]
Recognition
editThe firm’s work has appeared on professional design networks and in architectural publications including Architizer, Archinect, and Love That Design.[12][13][14] Nico van der Meulen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the *SA’s Best Professionals Awards (SAPSA)* in 2018 for his contribution to South African architecture.[15] He has also been profiled by publications such as The CEO Magazine for his role in shaping modern residential design in South Africa.[16]
See also
editExternal links
edit- 1 2 "Nico van der Meulen Architects – The undeniable master of the upmarket residence". Building and Decor. 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Nico van der Meulen Architects Johannesburg". World-Architects. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "In conversation with Nico van der Meulen". Scape Magazine. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Porcelanosa Trendbook – Nico van der Meulen Architects". Porcelanosa Trendbook. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House BER / Nico van der Meulen Architects". ArchDaily. 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House BER by Nico van der Meulen Architects". Designboom. 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House BER / Nico van der Meulen Architects". ArchDaily. 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House Duk by Nico van der Meulen Architects". Contemporist. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Sandton Residence". Archilovers. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House Abo". World-Architects. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "House in Blair Atholl". Divisare. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Nico van der Meulen Architects". Architizer. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Nico van der Meulen Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Inside the Mind of... Nico van der Meulen". Love That Design. 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Best Professionals Awards – Lifetime Achievement Awards 2018 (listing)". Aweni. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ↑ "Cowboy Architects: Nico van der Meulen". The CEO Magazine. 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2025.