CORNERSTONE Page 51 have a client who appreciated the principles of energy saving. We used double glazing throughout the residence, and installed underfloor insulation and natural ventilation mechanisms, as well as the standard required heat pumps and roof insulations, and even a grey-water and rain-harvesting system. The result is that when one enters the house, its constant temperate and comfortable environment, regardless of the outside conditions, is immediately noticeable.
Building legislation vs aesthetic guidelines
These two aspects go hand in hand, without a doubt. The building regulations are there for a reason, and have been formulated and revised over many years to ensure that buildings are structurally sound and efficient, but they do not specify any aesthetic standards. These are the responsibility of the developers, the homeowners’ association and / or the estate management. But there is obviously an overlap, as certain regulations may affect the aesthetics of the building. An example is the requirement for solar water heating or heat pumps, which are not very attractive items. Solar panels must be placed to face the sun, and heat pumps can look quite unsightly, much like air-conditioning units. With these items now being a requirement, one has to accommodate and conceal them in an aesthetically pleasing manner – something that needs to be set out in the form of aesthetic guidelines.
The value of aesthetic guidelines
Architecture is probably the most visually dominant aspect of people’ s everyday lives, and it affects us on conscious and subconscious levels. We live, work and play in buildings, but – sadly – some buildings are less pleasing to inhabit than others. It is therefore important to control the aesthetic of an estate by providing guidance and encouraging responsible and visually pleasing design. This is even more important on a residential estate, because estate living creates an expectation of a certain lifestyle. For this reason, reputable developers consult architectural professionals before starting construction, in order to establish an aesthetic standard.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John McKenzie established the practice of John McKenzie Architecture in 2006, and focused predominantly on the residential market, striving to create unique and exclusive designs that achieve a harmonious union between client, site and environment. Over the years the practice has broadened the scope of the projects it undertakes to include motor dealerships, high-density living and retirement villages, in order to achieve a more diverse exposure in the industry. John also serves as the architectural consultant for the upmarket Saddlebrook Estate in Kyalami, Johannesburg.
Prior to establishing his own practice, John gained a wealth of experience in the fields of residential, commercial, hospitality and industrial architecture, working for various renowned architects on projects as diverse as the smallest of house alterations to multimillion-dollar hotel resorts in Dubai.
John is constantly exploring energy efficiency in design. With the increasing burdens on our natural resources, national grid and water supply, there is a definite need for a stronger focus on energyefficient architecture. The more awareness there is of this need, the more accessible and affordable these technologies will become.
John McKenzie Architecture provides a full architectural service from design conception to project administration, with selected service agreements available, tailored to suit each client’ s requirements.
Designing with passion, innovation and value.
CONTACT: www. jmarchitecture. co. za