Published work: a starter home

This flexible "starter home" can be built in phases. It was published in the April 2003 edition of South African Garden & Home. It is a double storey with a double-volume living area and a secure first floor garden. A central double storey stonewall combines with the V-shaped metal sheeting roof (two wings supported by a central gutter) to create a dramatic feature.

Phases one and two (measuring 137 square meters) make provision to sleep six people and allow for sit-down dinners for eight. Phase three is more flexible and the extension can be used as an additional guest suite, TV room or studio. The house is cosy but definitely not cramped. It is designed around each piece of furniture, making maximum use of all available spaces. All passages function as rooms and ample storage is provided for.

The floors are concrete with an oxide colourant finish embedded in the screed. Exterior walls are reddish flush-jointed bricks. The same applies to the double volume's interior walls. All other interior walls are finished with rough plaster and paint. The window frames and exterior doors are steel. All fittings such as taps and handles are locally available, off-the-shelf products and reasonably priced. The house's luxury lies in how well it functions, not in expensive finishes.

3D perspectives

These (large) drawings will open separately, in new windows:
Drawing 1 / Drawing 2 / Drawing 3

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Key to the plan

Covered or protected entrance area.
Counter to place shopping, keys, handbag.
Store with floor to ceiling roller shutter door for the TV or home entertainment centre.
Double storey window.
Koi pond. Spout of central roof gutter empties into pond. Water is pumped into gutter thus creating a water feature.
Lounge seats five. Three dining room chairs can be put to use to seat eight occasionally.
Door to garden and service area to the side of house.
Serving counter with storage (cupboards) below.
Stairs up to first floor. Arrow indicates up.
Slow burner stove for central heating - may also be used for cooking.
Built-in display cabinets.
Wall units or counter tops.
Hob and under-counter oven.
Cupboards and drawers below counter, eye level cupboards above. Narrow strip window between cupboard and counter.
Preparation bowl.
Freezer in alcove, hidden from public view.
Fridge in alcove, hidden from public view.
Main bedroom is en-suite when the door is closed.
Main bedroom's bathroom can be used by visitors when the door is closed.
These cupboards can either be used in conjunction with main bedroom or with kitchen.
Shower with built-in shelves.
Counter with double drop-in basins. Below: cupboards and drawers. Above: mirrored doors to medicine or vanity cupboards recessed in wall.
Bath.
Counter for reading matter.
Toilet separate from bathroom.
King size bed.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Deep recessed window.
Counter or writing desk.
After cooking all dirty crockery can be moved to this area out of public view.
Below counter: washing machine, dishwasher, cupboards. Above counter: tumble dryer, eye level cupboards.
Counter with double drop-in basins. Below: cupboards. Above: mirrored doors to medicine or vanity cupboards recessed in wall.
Counter for focal point such as vase or sculpture.
Counter with shelves above.
Sofa or double fold-out bed with shelves above.
Retractable canvas roof over roof garden.
Spa bath.
BBQ or Weber.
Deck chairs.
TV room, guest room, studio or study as per client's choice.