Site: The site is located on the corner of two relatively quietroads, one of which provides access to the golf course and public beach. The Clients’ existing home is located on thesouth side of the site which left a narrow strip on the north for the locationof the new structures. Primary views are, over the golf course, to the east andnorth east to the ocean. The foremost feature of the site are two largeoverhanging Ficus trees that providescreening to the existing home but also create a very characteristic Natalcoastal shaded wood.

The Brief: The brief, for a Client who is reaching retirement, was to provide a two bedroom home with an open planliving area and study that maximised the views to the east. In addition theArchitect was to ensure the accommodation of a further future dwelling at thewest end of the site. The proposal also had to be responsive to its context, environmentallyconscious in its design and maintain the existing indigenous trees on the site.Inherent in the design were to be minimal running and maintenance costs, andthe provision of maximum security for the occupants. Further, the proposedstructure could not impact negatively on the existing home. With a limitedbudget the Architect was instructed to provide the appropriate structure evenif finishes were later downgraded to remain within budget.

Design Concept/Rationale: The concept is a raised semicircular structure rotated away from theexisting house with an intersecting stone wall that creates the opportunity fora more exposed, open living space on the south side. This ‘loose’ arrangementof elements permits a more permeable structure whose internal comfort can becontrolled through simple devises of intelligently located opening windows andappropriate shading elements on the east and west faces. It was apparent that due to the narrowness ofthe remaining site area and the obligation to maximise the views, any structurelocated on this edge would need to address its proximity to the road and consequentprivacy issues. The semicircular structure that faces the view along its flatedge results in the ‘wedge’ of the semicircle to face the street whichminimises its impact on the road. Lifting the living levels above the street alsocontribute to privacy. This privacy is further entrenched by the stone wallthat provides both a visual and security barrier. The curved face also createsa far more sympathetic facade to the proposed future structure and the existinghouse.

Response: With the natural topography, the garage was tuckedinto the bank, which allowed the living levels to be raised above the street.The entrance level is tucked on the west side and is accessed via a curvedstaircase tucked between the building and adjacent the landscaping. The livinglevel is largely open plan with a study which can be integrated into the openplan or screened off for privacy. The east side is protected by an extensiveveranda to protect the building from glare and excessive solar heat gain. Onthe south side the veranda accommodates and external eating area. The twoverandas are punctuated with an outdoor seating area under an informal ntenguroof.
At the upper level themaster and guest suites are accommodated in the ‘quarters’ of the semi-circle. Thislevel is dominated by the upper level semi-public/private patio and enjoys thebest views from the site. The creation of the low level planter and seatingobviated the need for a visually distracting balustrade.

Climatic and Environmental responsibility: The primary means ofachieving climatic control is through passive means. Cross-ventilation isensured by locating opening windows on opposing sides of the structure. (Theinstallation of the AC was insisted upon by the Client.)
A deep veranda on the eastface provides protection from the low lying early morning sun with the storm-blindsacting as a retractable vertical sunscreen, whilst remaining permeable forventilation and vision. The large west facing window behind the stair isprotected by a permanent vertical timber sun screen. Sunscreens planned at theupper level bedroom windows were omitted due to cost considerations, however inlieu of this solar control glass was installed. The future fabric awningplanned at a future date will provide additional protection to these windows.
The flat roof over thebedrooms is insulated with both polystyrene and a 75mm layer of stone.
Storm water is collectedfrom the roof in the tank in the drying yard and redistributed for toiletflushing and irrigation. Water from the upper level patio is redistributed viaagricultural drains below the eastern rock garden to maintain the moisture levelsin the soil.
Grey water is collectedthe bath, shower basin and washing machine and redistributed via the irrigatoron site.
Solar panels on the roofprovide heated water.
The provision of fixedlight fittings has been kept to a minimum with the Client preference for localisedfloor lamps. Where fixed fittings are provided, lamps are either low energy orLED fittings.

Landscaping: The minimal-maintenance brief was extended tothe landscaping. Water-conservation was a key factor in the selection ofplants, and in light of this, lawn was rejected completely.
The steep slope of theeast garden negated an interactive space in favour of a more visual,minimalist-style garden which would be overlooked from the veranda. Thisconsisted of clusters of large rocks scattered down the slope to contrast withthe softness of indigenous wild grass*. Natal Watsonias will provide splashesof colour when they appear in spring and summer.
As a counterpoint to the open sunny garden onthe east, the west garden is far more luscious and tropical in feel. Taking itscue from the cool vastness of the appropriately name Giant-Leafed Fig, theplanting is leafy and refreshing. The simple palette of plants will eventuallyfill this space to provide the approaching visitor entering the home a tactileexperience of being swept up the stair, with its lofty ceiling height, betweenthe curved wall at the entrance and verdant vegetation on the other. Thisvegetation will also provide a privacy barrier from the courtyard that thefuture building will create.