By Anna Marie-Smith, Project Consultant Anel van den Heever, Photography Fiona Barclay Smith
These home owners wanted to create a home that would facilitate long term needs, including the possibility of not being able to use staircases, a steep garden or driveway in the near future. Once they escaped the hustle and bustle of life in a big city, the switch to peace and tranquillity offered by their new, comfortable, yet practical home was instant.
Says their architectural designer, Karen Seboa Abrahams of Vukani Architectural Design: “We managed to plan the house together across the long distance between Gauteng and Durbanville, and through careful hands-on project management, in co-operation with the builders, the house was successfully completed 18 months later.”
From a practical perspective the construction of the house by Willem Steenkamp of Build A Way was reasonably uncomplicated due to the level plot selected by the owners, as well as the maintenance-free facebrick facade of the Cape Blend Corobrik facebrick exterior finish.
Several aspects of the exterior finishes were considered here, the most important being the truly authentic Cape origin of these bricks with pigmentation sourced locally, as well as ensuring an understated vernacular style synonymous with the region.
The owners took their long-term planning just that one step further than most, and decided that the installation of a lift to maximise spectacular views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains from wide open window and door spaces on the top level, was necessary sooner rather than later.
They say that they wanted to ensure that receiving guests and visitors in their age group would be comfortable for years to come, and should anybody including themselves require wheelchairs or crutches, generous allowances were made for spaces in passages, bathrooms and all the living areas.
This wonderful abode reflects the owners’ confidence, forethought and consideration for those who are prepared to share their future living space in true comfort and style.
