Timber iQ February - March 2020 // Issue: 48 | Page 47

PERSONALITY PROFILE
between the architect and builder is extremely important.
She adds that co-operation and information sharing is
critical for any project that progresses from the working
drawings to an on-site building. “I believe, in our industry, it
is challenging to take charge of what happens on a building
site and ensuring that all goes well,” Jooste adds.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Although she’s only 23-years-old, Jooste has already
experienced some unforgettable moments in her career.
One of them was participating and winning the HWZ
International timber competition. The brief required
designing a home for a South African family located in
South Africa. “I decided to design the house on a beautiful
site in Cape Town that marries and connects beautifully with
its landscape,” she explains. She adds that the building is
designed in such a way that it blends well with its
surroundings, merging into the landscape by
being sensitive to the environment.
As the winner, she got an opportunity to visit the Czech
Republic for five days where she met Pavel Horák, a
well-known architect in the European country. “Pavel Horák
showed me his personal sketch book and explained how he
goes through a design process from the first concept
sketch, this was an inspiring and life changing experience
for me,” she explains. While in the country, she also
got to experience an architectural studio in
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
“A timber house is not
just another house; it
has the ability to create an
atmosphere that is far greater
than one’s imagination.”
During her stay, Jooste experienced a
holistic view of timber construction in
Czech Republic. She visited various
construction sites, saw completed
timber houses and visited the forest
among others. “The week in Prague
was a broad overview of timber
construction in the Czech Republic
and it has been a truly amazing
experience.”
“The design concept is to
incorporate nature within a home
by using the concept of biophilic
design. The most frequent
question that arose during the
design of the house was
‘What does a typical South
African family need?’ By
considering this simplistic, yet
extravagant question through
the design of the house, led to
many innovative and experiential
opportunities. A typical South African family want comfort,
sustainability and a place that connects with nature.”
Jooste’s design would enhance a family’s living experience
– also taking into account various strategies including
biophilic design, sustainable living and CLT construction.
“The intention is to emphasise the true qualities of CLT
construction within a home. The house has the ability to
inspire nature within the build form and illustrates richness
in the use of materials, comfort, closeness to nature, form
and proportion,” she explains.
The winning house design for the timber competition.
www.timberiq.co.za
// FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
45