PROJECTS
The architecture of House Memel also takes cues from the harsh weather conditions of the area.
“In a bid to create the most comfortable indoor climate in
otherwise unforgiving weather conditions, optimal
orientation was essential. The house is positioned facing
exact north, bedrooms are situated on the eastern side and
the design allows for minimal fenestration and light entry
on the western side to shield against the morning and
afternoon sun. In addition, the wraparound veranda aids
temperature control and the house features no fewer than
three fire places for indoor heating when needed.”
Timber frame building is the construction method of
choice for the client, given the extreme clay conditions of
the soil, which had already seen the existing brick and
mortar farm house cracked to pieces. “Timber as a building
material is so flexible and adaptable, which makes it
especially well-suited to building on unforgiving terrain
such as this,” remarks Slabbert.
“This building methodology is also the most efficient
way to build a house with exceptionally robust insulating
properties to withstand the elements and create a
comfortable interior environment for its occupants. These
two requirements presented by the project alone make
timber construction the most suitable building option for
House Memel,” he says.
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION
CCA-treated (to H3) 38mm x 114mm S5 strength-graded
structural South African pine timber was used to build the
walls and floors of the house in line with the National
Building Regulations’ South African National Standard
(SANS) 10082, which covers correct timber frame building
in South Africa.
Wall cavities are packed with 102mm cavity batt
insulation, with internal walls finished with 15mm fire-stop
gypsum board prior to plastering. Exterior walls are
finished with a waterproof membrane and 11mm thick
oriented strand board, adding to both the insulating value
of the walls as well as the structural bracing and integrity of
the house. Woodgrain textured fibre cement planks
complete the exterior cladding.
The space under the house is built up with sandstone
blocks repurposed from an old ruin from elsewhere on the
farm. The space is now cleverly used as a basement area to
house air conditioners, a gas geyser and other utilities. The
floor of the house suspended above the basement is packed
with high-density polystyrene to help insulate from the
bottom as well.
The roof structure, most of which is exposed throughout
the house, was manufactured and installed by an Institute
for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) accredited
fabricator and erector and the roof is insulated with a
combination of glasswool and IsoBoard insulation.
House Memel was built according to both SANS 10400
XA ‘Energy Usage in Buildings’ and SANS 204, which covers
the energy efficiency in buildings. The project carries a
// JUNE / JULY 2018 17