Venue Introduction – The site is situated facing the Othniqua Mountains, positioned on a steep slope that provides street access from the highest point.
Design Overview – The design aims to create a compact home that ensures privacy from the south while opening up northern views. The kitchen, pantry, living room, and studio are interconnected, with the dining room extending onto a terrace. Additionally, there is potential to build a fully independent apartment in the future.
Design Concept – The project features two small houses stacked vertically: the main residence on top and a future apartment below. Both units face north to capture the view while shielding from the southern winds. The design is integrated into the landscape with a low-profile approach to preserve pedestrian views of the Othniqua Mountains and maintain complete privacy for the residents.
Building Materials – The house is built with simple, durable materials: concrete bricks cover both interior and exterior surfaces, and exposed concrete is used for floors and eaves. Exterior doors and windows are crafted from powder-coated aluminum, while furniture, ceilings, and interior doors are made from locally sourced plywood.
Layout Planning – The main building faces south, featuring outdoor parking and a garage. On the west side of the central dining room are the kitchen and pantry, while the living room and study occupy the east side. The bedroom is positioned at the northernmost part of the main floor. The underground level is designed as a future two-bedroom apartment.
Design Solution – The structure consists of two long diagonal wings set at a 60-degree angle, creating a triangular open space between them that faces the expansive view. A bridge links the two wings, forming the public living areas of the home. Bedrooms and bathrooms face north, while garages are located on the southern side.
Client Profile – The clients are a retired couple who anticipate frequent visits from their children and grandchildren. They are passionate environmentalists and nature lovers, aiming to demonstrate comfortable living with minimal environmental impact in a home exceeding 70 square meters.
Personal Story – Since their marriage, Om Phil has brewed coffee every morning for Tanny Susan, and they enjoy sitting by the window together, sharing coffee and daily conversations. Susan leans against the headboard while Phil sits nearby. To preserve this cherished routine, a seat was designed into the bedroom window, which is 4500mm high, offering them a broad morning view.
Building Uniqueness – The building is designed to blend subtly into the landscape when viewed from the street. This approach ensures pedestrians can enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature reserve without any obstruction from the building itself.
Sustainability – Native plant landscaping requires minimal maintenance and no additional watering. Using local materials dramatically reduces the building’s energy consumption. The design incorporates natural lighting and passive ventilation, keeping energy use very low. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored underground. The architecture is also designed to accommodate solar panels, enabling a fully off-grid lifestyle.
Conclusion – Even the simplest dwellings can embody beautiful social values and behaviors.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Architect: Frankie Pappas
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Frankie Pappas
Lead Architect: Frankie Pappas
Location: George, South Africa
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