The architect is one of the key professionals in the built environment

The architect is one of the key professionals in the built environment. Whether you are building a new residence or renovating an existing structure, an architect should be your first point of contact. Experienced architects have spent many years in the industry developing their skills, have a good understanding of the building regulations and are there to guide their clients through every step of the design and building process. Understanding the client’s requirements and designing to their budget is of...

Case Study – Private Residence in Hermanus, South Africa

Private Residence in Hermanus, South Africa Sector: Residential Service: Architectural Planning & Project Management Location: Voëlklip Date of Completion: December 2016 The Brief: The clients from Johannesburg, a CEO of a multi-national company and a retired accountant, wanted to build their retirement home in Hermanus, Western Cape. The site they selected was at the base of the Overberg Mountains bordering the Fernkloop nature reserve. It had beautiful mountain views to the North and sea views to the South. The brief was to design a house...

House in Mount Street

Case Study – Private Residence in Mount Street, Johannesburg

Private Residence in Mount Street, Johannesburg Sector: Residential Service: Architectural Planning/ Building Contract / Project Management Location: Bryanston Date of Completion: April 2018 The Brief: The clients’ brief was to design a modern home that optimized the views from their site in the much sought after Mount Street in Bryanston. The young professional clients requested 4 en-suite bedrooms, open plan kitchen, living room, dining room and entertaining areas which included a boma, bar, movie room, wine cellar and whisky room. The Pool and entertainment areas needed...

Tips to lessen your carbon footprint

Tips to lessen your carbon footprint in your home

Here is a scary statistic. While China during 2007 became the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, per capita, South Africa emits three times more carbon dioxide, and overall, emits more than the rest of Africa combined. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that greatly contributes to negative global climate change. Scientists predict that left unchecked, emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases from human activities will raise global temperatures by 2 – 4.5 C in the next 80 years....

Is your home dressed for winter?

Is your home dressed for winter?

Autumn's almost here and winter's around the corner – now’s the time to prepare your home for the cold. We’re heading for autumn, and that means winter isn’t far behind - you know, dry and icy winds for those of us who live inland, wet and icy for the people of the South (Cape Town and such). For yourself, you’re probably thinking about getting your jackets and long-Johns out of storage and cleaning them up, ready for when the first cold snap snaps...

Sellers: does your home comply with building regulations?

Sellers: does your home comply with building regulations?

Not ensuring your home complies with building regulations could cause issues when you put it up for sale. A recent judgement handed down by the Western Cape’s High Court has highlighted the importance of making sure that the improvements on your property comply with national and local building regulations. It could cost you a lot of money if they don’t. In the case before the court (Allen v Scheibert (14136/2010) [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat"...

How to choose the Right Contractor

How to choose the right contractor

Your plans have been drawn up, and your finances are in place. There’s just one more hurdle before you can start your new building project: finding yourself a contractor or your architect will assist your plan going out to tender. To begin, he said, you’ll need to know whether the contractor is registered with the National Home Builder’s Registration Council - the NHBRC - especially if you’re financing the project through a bank (it’s one of their requirements). “The proposed or successful contractor has...

open plan fundamentals article sa homeowner Architecture

Open-plan Fundamentals

The owners of this home had moved for times over the previous eight years, before finally being able to build their dream home, and all the moves collectively inspired the style and decor of this home. From an exterior perspective, the property provides the perfect example of what is achieved through the close collaboration between the client, architect and builder, who together fine-tuned the design for maximised utilisation of space at all levels, resulting in a home with an easy flow...

In the Details

IN THE DETAILS

In the Details By Kerry Hayes, Project Consultant Berty van Staaden, Photography Christoph Hoffmann The lifeblood of this home is in its details. From the precise architectural planning, to the smallest decor elements, a synchronicity of space, design and adornment runs throughout. Architect Kevin Els, from Kevin Els Architects, created this home from the specifications of the owners. These included spacious interiors, easy access between rooms, and an impressive home cinema and gym. The topography of the site called for an elevated stand to...

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