The building houses an active senior couple who moved from the main house, making the main house available for their daughter and her family. The garden is shared.
The position of the building on the site was determined by retaining the existing garden towards the north and the historical building line on Die Laan. This required a municipal waiver to alter the building line and coverage. In addition, an archaeological study to record the remains of previous foundations was done.
The building design is simple, reflecting the traditional white walled architecture but producing a modern building in sympathy to the existing 1900 historical building. 3D studies showed that a conventional double storey building was not appropriate next to the garden and the historic building. The construction of a basement with the 2nd bedroom, TV room and utility room was the solution. Skylights and an underground-level court provided sun and a view of the garden. An added advantage was the discovery of the cooling effect of this basement in the summer.
The roof garden not only provides very good insulation but also gives a splendid view of the surrounding mountains and Eerste River. The building has a very low carbon footprint, with double-glazing, solar heating and LED lighting. The pergola all round the building will provide even better climate control after the deciduous creepers have matured.
