Project details

Brief description of project

The brief was to modernise a typical early Parktown home that had been altered over the years in order to accommodate the new owners and their lifestyle.

The original structure was older than 60 years, and is located in a heritage sensitive area. The additions and alterations had to therefore adhere to strict regulations while being sensitive to the strong heritage context of the area. In short, the design concept was aimed at respecting the existing inherited details with all new additions intended to be modern and in strong contrast to the original.

The dated and insensitive additions previously done were demolished, and the new design took the home back to its inherently simple square layout. The concrete roof tiles were stripped and the corrugated tin roof sheeting matching that of the original house, reinstated. Internally, walls were removed and opened up to create simple open plan living spaces.

New garages and a studio were designed and positioned parallel to the house. With views of the old Johannesburg Gas works on the horizon, a private courtyard boasting a mature Karee tree overlooks the extensively cleared and cleaned out garden. The landscaping was cleverly structured using natural stone retaining walls and garden paths that negotiate the steep sloping stand very typical of the heritage ridge.