Architects Of Justice Architects Of Justice 2018 Review | Page 16

manufacturer, Quality Steel, was located just over an hour away from the site.
A four phase Lego-set type erection, also meant that there was no need to
clear and disturb the natural bushveld for storage of building materials. Ingwe
Construction was chosen to carry out the building work due to their proven
track record of constructing large scale private bush lodges sensibly and
sensitively in this part of South Africa.
The interiors
In the interior, the idea was to not obstruct the user from the surrounding
nature, and as such, huge glass windows, doors and fin walls constantly
connect and direct the user to the outside bush. The placement of the
windows facilitates a constant flood of light on the hand polished concrete
floors and simple plaster walls, while angled ceilings facilitate natural airflows
and complement other sustainable features of the project (such as rainwater
harvesting from the extensive roof structure).
“As the client comes from a mining background, aesthetically the home reflects
a ‘from the earth’ narrative, and an almost industrial approach of using crushed
rock, gabion walls and steel I-beams was embraced,” explains Granicki. He notes
that while the home is definitely a modern take on architecture, there is still an
earthen quality to its finishes as a result of some of the techniques of the local
contractor.
After a twelve month construction period, Architects Of Justice delivered
a successful project, not only by understanding the environment and
designing around it, but also by working closely with the client. The following
comments from the client are testament to the work which they produce
and their ultimate aim of client satisfaction: “Our dream of embracing the
outside bushveld, inside our home, has exceeded our expectations. The
architects’ design allows for large openings that let the remarkable landscape
to be enjoyed from every part of the house. The ambitious overhangs and
cantilevers, made possible by the steel roof, affords us the ability to live
harmoniously with nature as the lines blur between inside and out. We are
incredibly proud of our home which is a stunning piece of contemporary
architecture.”
Receiving the recent Commendation from MPIA is another feather in the cap
for this young practice who are currently busy working on a host of office,
warehouse and high density residential projects. The MPIA judges' comments
on the project were extremely positive: "The design concept is brave, original
and is befitting of the site and the brief. The judges loved the three dimensional
'origami' roof which floats as a sculptural object, seemingly emulating the
typography of the surrounding landscape. The spatial qualities are sculpturally
impressive and sensory experiences are manipulated through impressive
angled ceiling spaces which guide the eye outward towards the surrounding
landscape. The cantilevered covered patio roof is a structural feat. The massing
and siting of the building is successful within the confines of its site, and
achieves the key objectives masterfully.”
In this private lodge at Mjejane Private Game Reserve, the architects have
created a structure which rests elegantly in the surroundings. It is a home
which while being architecturally innovative, doesn’t distract from the location
of the project and draws the user’s attention to the outside. Granicki concludes;
“We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work on such a unique
project in such a stunning location.” AoJ