Balancing global styles with Moroccan standards, a geometric concrete home catches the eye without sticking out. In a family photo, everyone might share the same eyes or nose or smile, but you can immediately spot the one with an extra spark, the spirit of adventure. So too the Casablanca, Morocco, house of architect Mehdi Berrada. Though similar in size and shape to … [Read more...]
A challenging project which led to a bold refurbishment
This modern, upmarket home is situated on a south entry panhandle stand with northern views in the established neighbourhood of Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria. The aesthetics and layout of an existing two level house, completed in the 1980’s in the postmodern style, did not fulfil the requirements of the current owner. Mellet & Human Architects were asked to provide a design … [Read more...]
Restrained material palette emphasises elegant massing of volumes at Moroccan residential complex
The core of defining an urban project often lies in the creation of the block - the redefinition of the thresholds between the public, the communal, the private, and the intimate. In this winning competition entry for a master plan on the site of the city’s former zoo, a series of residential ‘superblocks’ break from the scale and hermeticism of the traditional urban block. The … [Read more...]
Cape home draws from, yet modernises, its context
Sixty-one regional winners were entered into the Corobrik SAIA Architectural Awards. The 3-in-1 House by L + L Architects, won an Award of Merit. In drawing from its context, this project abstracts the prevalent architecture of the area, modernising it while still contributing to the area’s characteristic urban wall. This compact family house was built on a 90sqm plot … [Read more...]
A home which embraces the landscape
The brief to Robert Serman Architects for this project, called for a family home which blended into the natural setting that the site offered. The owners were clear that they wanted to make the most of the surroundings and that they wanted spaces where the family could come together and spaces that would allow the teenage children a space of their own. House Wisse is located … [Read more...]
Pink Cape Town house features rooftop pool and vertical garden
A rooftop swimming pool offers views over Cape Town from this house, which was designed by local studio The Fold Architects with pink-painted walls to offset a verdant vertical garden. House IIIA is located on in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap, a historical area that was once the city's Islamic quarter and situated on a slope above the city centre. A decked roof terrace makes the most … [Read more...]
Face bricks add complexity and appeal to captivating Pretoria home
The versatility and associated benefits of Corobrik’s clay face brick allow it to extend across all sectors of the construction industry, forming a vital component of massive developments, hospitals and schools or even an aesthetically modern residential home. One such example is a recently constructed home situated in Eldo Ridge Estate, Eldoraigne, Pretoria. “Corobrik’s … [Read more...]
Fluidity and function in Casablancan home
Villa Agava by Driss Kettani is projected on a north-south oriented plot and features a blind façade on the street while being largely open on the side and the back with the south oriented garden. The plan “silhouette” is the consequence of the urban rules and the need to perfectly fit with the adjoining house on the east. The disadvantageous north orientation on the … [Read more...]
Rumaisa to become an iconic apartment block in Nairobi
Rumaisa, in Nairobi, Kenya, when complete in 2019 will consist of 66 three and four bedroom duplex apartments, intended as not just a housing solution, but as a lifestyle solution as well. The project, described as ‘the epitome of modern living’, incorporates ample lifestyle enhancements, such swimming pools, children’s play areas, a fully equipped gym (including steam rooms … [Read more...]
A landmark in Pemba, Mozambique
Formerly known as Port Amelia, Pemba is the northernmost coastal city of Mozambique, 300km from the border with Tanzania. Capital of the Province of Cabo Delgado, this city with a population of 200 000, draws most of its economic activity from the logistic services connected with the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) facility being built in the nearby township of Palma and expedited … [Read more...]