GETTING IT DONE
Interiors
The simple, plain colours of white internal walls and ceilings, along with the light grey exterior colour that matches the roof sheeting, are designed to act as a backdrop for the view.
This is complemented by the blue-black modern shopfront, which frames the views. The shopfronts ' dark vertical mullions draw the eye upwards and contrast with the white angled rafters rising to the roof apex. The ceiling above the exposed rafters is covered with an insulated board, ensuring thermal comfort.
LED light strips cast light upwards into the roof, fitted in a polystyrene moulding to direct the light towards the angled ceiling, creating a warm ambient glow.
Since the owner / client is knowledgeable about gemstones, the architect chose tile finishes that depict gemstones. Quartz rocks supporting the house on the ridge inspired the design.
“ A single large-format tile measures 1.8 x 0.9 m behind a greatlooking sink. The tile is inspired by the appearance of a blue lace agate rock, which was imaged and recreated from a high-resolution photograph. The basement has a“ Truth Wall” showcasing the real supporting rock outcrop it is built on”.
Sustainable building features
Her approach is that building for the future must be sustainable – a low ecological footprint. Passive design principles are interconnected.
“ I used passive design principles and my broad knowledge of different building materials to execute it on a strict budget. Many items were recycled and repurposed into new ones. Professional knowledge was implemented in sustainable ways. These include:
• Rainwater harvesting and greywater from all showers, basins, and baths will enable the reuse of water more efficiently daily.
• Natural ventilation is essential – the‘ whirlybird’ on top of the internal braai continually circulates the air.
• The exterior plaster material, ThermoIns( thermoins. com. tr / eng /), assists in achieving the correct thermal value for a standard 230mm double brick wall.
• The contractor was required by the NHBRC inspector to construct a retaining cavity wall for the south basement wall that abuts the rockface. ThermoIns applied as a plaster protects the masonry from dampness, cracking, and functions as both a fire retardant and an acoustic insulator.
• The owner reused the existing garage and boundary walls."
74 summer 2025-26 | www. tobuild. co. za