A steel frame forms the hidden structure that facilitates the glazing
and impressive cantilevers. The house is clad with Kebony timber
and Vande Moortel Linea Bricks, providing earthen tones that
complement and blend with the surrounding gardens and rural
setting.
The design focusses on sustainability and responding naturally
to the elements of the site. Large roof overhangs provide passive
solar shading in summer and the expanses of sliding low-e glazing
provides passive ventilation and natural solar gain during the
winter. A ground-source heat-pump acts as the primary form of
heating for the house and the pool, with solar thermal panels
providing an additional source. The building has two thick layers
of insulation and air-tight construction. The holistic approach to
sustainability allows to the house to be as self-sufficient as possible.
The welcoming feel of The Elements is a result of a close
collaboration between the client and the studio on all aspects
of the project. Large comfortable seating areas provide space
for an abundance of guests. In the arrival hall, the heart of the
building, a generous dining table hosts 14 plus people. The kitchen
compliments the geometry of the building extending the line of
sight from the breakfast counter through the hall towards the
tennis courts. Each element uses the same tones and colours found
across the building and the site, further connecting visitors to their
location. The Elements represents an ambitious taste of shared
living, designing not only for the clients but for their family and
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