Timber iQ October - November 2019 // Issue:46 | Page 7

NEWS
‘three great elemental sounds in nature’, all of which can
be found in Lombard’s’ ocean-front home.
UNIQUE AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGNS
Monique Visagie’s design was inspired by traditional South
African farmhouses.
nature, within her designs. With a focus on general
contentment and productivity, Jooste tailored her draft
for her family.
COMMUNITY INFLUENCES
This appreciation of the outdoors isn’t the only South
African characteristic found within the designs. The very
communities in which the designs are located often
became fundamental to the character of the house.
Dimitar Dobrev’s ‘the Fun House’ not only incorporates
many tenements of sustainable living with recycled
materials and a water storage system, but also uses the
street as an extension of the home, creating a space
where children can play, and families can spend time
together. Similarly, Cape Peninsula University of
Technology graduate, Mongezi Msomi, centres his home
around a cheerful space to act as a hub of cultural
activity and gathering of family and friends. Msomi
derives his design from the isiXhosa word Iziko, meaning
‘hearth’, giving his contemporary home the traditional
feel which he argues is perfect for a ‘strong social,
sustainable, and cultural interaction.’
Despite these similarities, the contestants had varying
views of what the South African family needs and
tailored their designs appropriately. A nice contrast
forms between Cape Peninsula University of Technology
graduate, Nerine de Klerk, and University of
Johannesburg graduate, Walter Lombard. Lombard
believes his family’s spacious ‘dream house’ will allow
life-lasting memories and a deep attachment with their
home, meanwhile de Klerk argues that simplicity, rather,
fosters a familial connection. De Klerk, who completed a
year of studies, engaged in the competition, and got
married within the past year, argues that her simple
L shaped home, with space ‘only for what is needed,’
allows for an intimacy and quality time spent among the
traditional family. Lombard’s, on the other hand, believes
it is the little things that will aid the overall content with
the house, and even cites Henry Beston’s quote on the
www.timberiq.co.za
Construction student at the University of Cape Town,
Fundokuhle Kubheka, took a different approach. He
focused on Social Housing, a topic which he is passionate
about. Located in the Langa township on the outskirts of
Cape Town, his interpretive take incorporates a reusable
and portable system, special parts for a stronger
foundation, and two storeys. With these adjustments
Kubheka promotes sustainability and social housing that is
different to current designs, which he believes are too
‘mono-functional’. Kubheka’s motivations were influenced
by how social housing was addressed in South Africa, and
how that influences his hopes for sustainable building that
doesn’t compromise the environment and includes the
social welfare of the community.
Another notable standout is the S and C Workshop team
composed of Scott Lenton and Chelcie Akon who attended
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Universität
Ramon Llull La Salle, respectively. The team hopes to
repurpose the Newlands Stadium, that will be devoid of its
sports teams come their relocation to Green Point Stadium
in 2020. While Lenton and Akon’s designs use CLT to create
a vibrant housing community in the centre of the city, the
quiet-tree lined streets and proposed central public and
gardening space in the former playing field, builds a
residential ambiance. Not only does the location allow for
a beautiful view of the neighbouring mountains, but its
proximity to local parks, sports, and universities are ideal
for the growing family.
Altogether, each young architect created unique and
thoughtful designs, and are well on their way to making a
difference in their communities. Although just one of these
bright architects received the week-long internship in
Europe, each contestant leaves better informed and better
connected than when they joined. With a driving passion
and jobs lined up, these budding architects are well on
their way to leaving a sizeable impact on the housing
industry.
Walter Lombard’s design was the most popular on Facebook.
// OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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