The driving design considerations were maximizing access to views and optimizing flexibility of use. The house was envisioned as a simple shed with lean-to roofs to comply with aesthetic guidelines. The main living space is located on first floor with a central open-plan kitchen, and connected with a footbridge to guest parking to address future ease-of-access concerns. Rooms below function as communal or private space depending on habitation, and all rooms benefit from northern sun and views.

A design exploration to test new urban planning regulations developed by

Almer Du Pisanie as part of his Bsc Advanced Architectural Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Two typologies, namely Canal Housing and Tenement housing were developed and various architects asked to design buildings within the proposed regulations.

Located in a fly-fishing estate in Pretoria the design was informed by a desire to open the house to views to the south-west without compromising privacy, and still controlling solar heat gain. This was accomplished through setting back and stepping forward sections of the building to the street. Self-contained living units for children at different stages in their studies were accommodated. The project was completed under KWP Architects Pretoria, with Elise Bester. www.kwpcreate.com

An international architectural competition launched by AC-CA, the brief called for a luxury beach house design in Bondi Beach, Australia using standard shipping containers as modules/building blocks. Containers are positioned irregularly, to shelter courtyards from intermittent weather, while sliding glass- and louvre panels allow the user to control solar ingress and natural ventilation. Custom steel frame ‘pop-outs’ drive room function and window positions.

Six new units for a developer, currently at sketch plan stage. Located in a desirable built up suburb in Pretoria, the aim is to provide high end residential units with desirability, security, privacy, and energy efficiency as driving design parameters.

The renovation was planned in phases to allow the owner, a building contractor, to complete as needed. Flexibility of use for an expanding and extended family was factored into the design. A semi-detached house in a built-up area, sensitivity to the neighbours and privacy were of concern. Outbuildings were demolished to connect the new open-plan living space to the garden, and create a sheltered breakfast courtyard.

A two bedroom semi-detached house surrounded by concerned neighbours was converted to a bright 4 bedroom house by utilizing unused roof space and opening the house to the garden and northern sun. The character of the existing house was enhanced by restoring the original timber floors, door frames and fixtures, while the new additions were designed to be distinguishable from- but sensitive to the existing structure.

Complete renovation of an existing home and home office to maximise enjoyment of mountain and sea views, while optimising the functionality of existing spaces. Relocating the kitchen to become the heart of the home, and improving the connection of internal and external entertaining spaces were key design drivers. The project is currently at the design development stage.

Complete renovation of an existing single storey beach cottage, both in layout and appearance, the project is currently at technical documentation stage. With a limited floor area allowed by local planning regulations, economic design and optimal use of space is essential to maximise the family’s enjoyment of the property.