African project
Pezula House – South Africa
winter, also by means of heat transfer pumps powered by photovoltaic solar
panels
• Lighting: LED lighting are used wherever possible
• Rainwater harvesting: rainwater is harvested from the roof surfaces for
irrigation purposes
• Biotechnical Sewer system: the Pezula prescribed eco-friendly system is
used to treat the sewage and irrigate the garden.
What challenges were encountered during the project?
With us being located in Pretoria, it was not feasible to oversee the
construction, and we had to work with a local architectural firm to manage the
construction process. CMAI Architects in Knysna performed this task.
Looking back at the completed project, what are your thoughts?
I think the project was very successful. The owners got the house they wanted,
and we achieved architecturally what we set out to do; to create a simple,
comfortable house that sits very comfortable in its natural environment.
Can you give us a short background on yourself and your practice?
I’m a University of Pretoria graduate (cum laude) with 21 years of work
experience in the Architecture field. I worked for high-profiled architectural
firms Ora Joubert Architects and Mathews & Associates Architects (as
Associate), before founding Thomas Gouws Architects in 2002. My wife
Sureen joined a couple of years later. We specialise in the design of exclusive
contemporary residences and selective commercial projects throughout South
Africa from our studio in Pretoria. Our goal is excellence in design, generated
from a sensitive response to context and individual client requirements, and
we strive to create architecture of timeless simplicity. AD
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