GETTING IT DONE extreme site challenges were overcome through exceptional design and engineering
A frameless glass balustrade was reutilised and elevated for wind protection. At 1.2m high, occupants can comfortably sit on the deck. The thick stainless steel handrail reflects the light during the day and becomes less visible at night.
“ We recycled 10mm-thick glass panes. I modelled the spigot placement to hold them and attach to our balcony. The spigots were made with mild steel and cast into the ground floor beam and block slab,” she adds.
“ A complex design was implemented by the contractor when they excavated the floor below the greenhouse to install the 2,7 m high 10 000L and shorter 5 000L rainwater and greywater harvesting tanks, which were positioned before the ground slab was cast. This was reticulated into the garden for irrigation purposes.”
Professional & implementation team
Project manager: Architect: Structural engineer: Contractor: Electrical contractor: Glazing: Exterior plastering material:
The property owner Gabriela van Rooyen Norman Caplan Boukorp Stolz Electrical Active Glass ThermoIns
About Gabriela van Rooyen
A diligent Senior Architectural Technologist at SVA International Architects, with 20 years of experience in designing retail, commercial, educational, industrial, residential, and affordable housing projects.
The cliff house is a project undertaken in her private capacity.
When not designing, she is a passionate paddler and a keen trail runner.
For details email her on gabrielavanrooyen @ gmail. com
The barn typology. www. tobuild. co. za | summer 2025-26 75