This house is designed around amazing sea and fynbos views

TEXT DINA VENTER

When The Brink Eco Estate was developed in Herolds Bay, Western Cape, Louw and Sarah Hartzenberg bought a stand immediately. “We’ve spent numerous holidays here, and because Louw has a passion for plants and landscaping, a stand which flows into a green belt was an obvious choice for a second home,” Sarah explains.

Their brief to Kobus and Elsie Nieuwoudt of Nieuwoudt Architects specified a home with lock-up-and-go characteristics that could also accommodate family and friends. They had in mind a space designed around entertaining that wouldn’t feel empty when they were there on their own. “The plan had to make the most of the views, but also address the seemingly conflicting lifestyle elements the Hartzenbergs requested,” says Kobus.

For an intimate atmosphere, the architects split the house into two self-contained levels. “This way, the Hartzenbergs can open the lower ground suite for guests when necessary, and still have privacy,” Kobus explains.

A firepit and separate viewing deck halfway down the sloping stand link the upper-level entertaining area with the garden. “Placing these elements on different levels minimises the height and forms a gradual transition from level to level,” Kobus adds.

To make the most of the location, the team focused on key viewpoints. “Sarah was specific about the lookout in the second bedroom/study, so we included a corner window and split the levels for unobstructed views from all areas,” Kobus says. Strategic placement was key to maintain privacy. “The main bedroom has a 180 degree vista, but the bedroom area is placed far back and raised,” Kobus explains. In the bathroom, the view can be enjoyed through a cut-out window facing a direction without neighbouring houses. The bathtub was placed on an elevated platform to maximise the view.

In addition, glass balustrades create a seamless link between indoors and out. “Clear balustrading adds minimal detail to the façade resulting in unobstructed views. When built in, it’s completely rust free and easier to clean than one might think,” Kobus adds.

Loffelstein retaining walls, now covered by indigenous vegetation, were placed behind the house giving it a distinctly natural feel. “Combined with the gazebo and timber deck, which were left to weather naturally, the overall appearance is sensitive to the surrounding area and not visually intrusive,” Kobus says.

SOURCES Nieuwoudt Architects nieuwoudtarchitects.co.za The Brink Eco Estate thebrink.co.za

AT A GLANCE

THE ARCHITECTS: Kobus and Elsie Nieuwoudt of Nieuwoudt Architects (pictured) with Linda Motha as project architect.

THE CLIENTS: Louw and Sarah Hartzenberg, a couple with grown-up children and who travel frequently.

THE BRIEF: A second house that would function as a lock-up-and-go home, with ample entertaining space.

THE HOUSE: A double-storey home in Herolds Bay, with a firepit, viewing platform, and four bedrooms facing either the sea or the green belt.

ON THE WEB

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Visit gardenandhome.co.za and click on Architect’s Plans to download the plan.