Portfolio: a farmhouse

Click on any of the images below to open a single large 3D perspective (105 KB) in a new window.

This farmhouse will be situated on a plain of pristine African veldt (grassland). The style is modern with its clean lines and African in its variety of textures and vibrant colours. Visually it reads as a single unit but actually it is a conglomerate of several distinct functions: a four bedroom family house, a two bedroom flat for extended family, a workshop as well as a business wing. A central enclosed courtyard is the symbolic heart, the centre of which is open to the sky while the periphery thereof is covered. It offers secure and comfortable outdoor living in response to South African crime and sun.

The covered patio consists of outdoor lounge and dining areas – these integrate seamlessly with the indoor lounge, dining and double volume family room. Pergolas, planters, sculptures and swimming pools contribute to the courtyard's green appearance – paradise consciously recreated. The courtyard is a clearly defined space with definite borders and carefully designed landscaping – this is in strong contrast to the almost boundless horizon and natural landscape surrounding the house. A smaller Zen garden courtyard, at the business wing, repeats the courtyard theme.

The interior of this north-facing house has an abundance of natural light – the front elevation consists almost entirely of a continuous ribbon of floor to ceiling glass. Covered outdoor passages attached to this glass ribbon ensure passive energy control: winter sun can enter the series of north-facing rooms but summer sun cannot. These passages cast the most superb deep shadows throughout the day bringing the building to life as the sun continues on its journey. The interior is well-lit and spacious.

Seen from a distance this house, more than 60 meters in length, is characterized by a strong horizontal linear presence. This is emphasized by heavy parapet walls (hiding flat metal roofs) which rest on a series of equally heavy rectangular masonry columns. This strong horizontal presence is punctuated firstly by the tower (that celebrates the main entrance to the courtyard) as well as four mono-pitched roofs, one of which serves to indicate the entrance to the business wing. This tension of a powerful horizontal line, interrupted by a number of vertical elements, creates vibrant visual interest. The two central mono-pitched roofs gently embrace the smaller first floor accommodation consisting of mainly the master bedroom suite and a handicapped child's bedroom. This double storey is a dominant focal point. The front facade is almost but not quite symmetrical – once again tension is created which is visually intriguing.

The central passage of some 45 meters is a long almost straight line broken up into shorter bits by for example halls with built-in benches. It has many deep niches containing loose furniture, built-in cupboards and counters and so forth. The passage is a journey in its own right with many unexpected nooks and crannies and twists and turns...

While the house (of approximately 810 square meters) is relatively large, the design of each individual space is of a domestic scale throughout. This is not a house that seeks to impress and awe but rather one that invites the owners and their guests to feel right at home. Small caring touches include a toilet for the handicapped and a bath in the garage for the owners' beloved dogs.

Additional PDF file

If you wish to download the floor plans (110 KB), right-click on the picture or link, then select 'Save Target As'. To view PDF files you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader (or similar) installed on your computer.