African project
House Wolmarans – South Africa
unifying element in the house – generating a wind free sunny chill-out zone.
The transition between exterior and interior is gradual. Some concrete walls and soffits
are visible inside and out, and its hardness contrasts with the wood, plaster and stone,
used in different spaces. Also, the use of the same floor covering in the bar lounge, the
northern courtyard and the pool area creates the effect of continuity. The relationship
between exterior and interior is a unifying element seen throughout the house.
Passive energy capture is enhanced by the material choice – concrete and slate roof,
window layout, solar panel system, water storage tanks under the building and courtyard
development. The northern and western façades were designed with finned beams &
wooden slats to provide solar protection and control the amount of light entering the
building.
In short, the project attempts to be sensitive and responsive to its location, while still
creating a warm and sunny masterpiece, as requested by the client.
The philosophy of Coetzee Alberts Architects has remained clear in a belief that every
project is unique. The importance of design with a particular approach to creating good
quality spaces and responsible urban approach is the key to fundamental architecture.
The practice believes in the essential diagrammatic approach to a building where
the design approach is driven a lot by the response to the site and the client’s brief.
The practice draws on many years’ experience in various fields. The team consists of
two Principle Architects, a Senior Architectural Technologist, Interior Specialist and
administrative support staff.
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