The initial brief of the client was to resolve the storm water issues on site and fix leaking roofs of previous additions. The end result was a complete face-lift with minor additions making existing spaces more functional.
Completed: Dec 2021
The addition to house Raubenheimer was completed during 2011. Two large study facilities were added on top of existing garages, adjacent to the main bedroom, to provide personal executive office space and a new facade to the existing house.
Completed in 2009 in Waverley Bloemfontein. An existing outbuilding, previously used as garage, garden shed & domestic quarters, was renovated to function as a creative studio, housing architects & designers.
The total floor area and different spaces created through the addition certainly provide sufficiently for all the needs of a small Architectural Practice such as our own. The approach to this building from street level is a pleasant experience and the transition from house to office via sandstone cladded garden walls that set the boundaries for the walkway also creates a terrace to distinguish these spaces. The new reception area portrays something of who we are and gives the visitor something to ponder on. The library upstairs is not frequently used but contributes to the character of this space at large. The newly built area is linked with the offices by means of a covered walkway as to bypass the boardroom / studio. The verandah of this walkway also serves as an extension of the boardroom should the stack-away doors be opened. This area is used with great success to accommodate meetings, photo shoots and entertainment for clients under the oak tree. The bay window accommodates a long worktop where drawings are discussed amongst staff members. The frameless corner window allows the oak tree to become part of the inner office space. The great achievement from a client’s point of view is that the budget could be met with all the existing walls, structures and even roofs that could be re-utilised.
Structural Engineer: Eddie Arter, BVI Consulting Engineers.
Contractor: Stefan Sander Building Contractor
The addition to the architect’s home in Kestell Street was completed during 2016. A classic 1940s Waverley family home was converted to accommodate the changing needs of the owners, by adding a second storey, removing internal walls and adding modern finishes. The renovation also established a visual and aesthetic connection between the house and the creative studio.
As kids grow older the dynamics of any household changes inevitably, especially when they become teenagers. Boys want to be separated from girls, and they simply need more space.
We had the opportunity to merge smaller bedrooms into bigger rooms, and to build a kids entertainment area with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom for the boys on the total opposite side of the existing house. The bedrooms on the first floor also benefit hugely from the beautiful tree-top views in this well established area.
This design brings the flow of the house better into balance, with more emphasis on the communal living space for the entire family. No more rubbing shoulders in the passage and waiting for a slot to brush your teeth during rush hour!
This project is currently under construction.
In the old, well established residential suburb of Waverley, is a special cul-de-sac street called Kestell Street. For many years, the weak link in this beautiful street was a house which was originally built as stables, when this area was still a farm, many years ago.
We bought the place and decided to convert it partially into a self catering guest house. Like with many refurbishments, we where faced with many surprises. The old vowel brick (klinkerstene) walls, some 450mm wide, where extremely hard and tough to break. Some small spaces simply did not make sense and we had to create new spaces. Arguably my biggest technical challenge was to create a new sewer duct, right in the middle of the existing house, to accommodate and hide the sewerage system of the new en suite bathrooms for the bedrooms.
The rooms all live out onto a new covered verandah, overlooking the well maintained garden. New skylights let in natural light into each room. The rooms are spacious, the neighbourhood quiet, and the clients happy.
This project was successfully completed in 2019.
The brief for this project was to convert the existing double garage into a cottage and to create a fresh look or facelift with the newly built entrance and garages to this rather old, Dan Pienaar family home. We created a sense of arrival and a total new look.
With a rather tight budget, we added value to the property and created a new sense of pride for the owners.
The chapel that we designed for this conference and wedding venue on the Mazelspoort road, more than 15 years ago, is no more being used because the venue unfortunately no longer caters for functions. The owner, who has a sentimental connection with this site, decided to convert this chapel into a loft living space for himself and his kids.
Two rooms had to be added for his children, and Gary’s bedroom and ensuite bathroom would be accommodated on a mezzanine level in the loft space, above the kitchen.
The ground floor comprises an open plan living space and kitchen, which leads onto a newly covered stoep with braai area overlooking the Modder river.
This project is currently under construction.
The renovation of this owner-builder 1970s holiday project was completed in 2012. The four-bedroom home was reconfigured and given a new look, yielding a home fit for contemporary living.
The renovation of House Louw in Cape St. Francis was completed in 2014. The renovation transforms the existing building with a crisp, contemporary aesthetic.
