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architecture
In the broadest sense, this build has employed an
innovative solution that begins with questioning
what a South African home has the potential to
be. It then moves on to explore how the traditional
materials, components, functions and processes
can be used or executed differently to fully explore
their scope. It combined this approach with modern
design principles, state-of-the-art materials and
technology, and applied them to the local context and
contemporary needs.
A key aspect in developing the case study was
to select a diverse team of curious and innovative
people who would rise to the challenge of designing
and building a high-end luxury concept home using
an unconventional creative process. A notable
development is the seamless balance achieved
between a comfortable, aesthetically appealing
living experience, hi-tech building solutions and an
efficient design and build that will meet the ongoing
and changing needs of its owners. The house is
built on open land and measures 356 square metres
under roof.
Evolutionary Appeal
location: Monaghan Farm, Lanseria, Gauteng www.monaghanfarm.co.za |
architecture: Thomashoff + Partner Architects www.thomashoffstudio.co.za | interior design: Ebony www.ebonydesign.co.za |
photography: Karl Rogers www.karlrogers.co.za
Stand 47 i s a hi gh- end concept home. I t s no ordi nar y structure, rather one that chal l enges
many aspects of South Af ri can resi denti al archi tecture. I t takes an exami nati on of the status
quo f rom al l angl es to gi ve ever y f acet of the tradi ti onal domesti c home a f resh i nterpretati on.
I t s an evol uti onar y step to bui l di ng a better home.
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This is a modern, smart home built using innovative materials coupled with more traditional examples. It has a continuous
ceiling and a rich parquet wooden floor throughout. In the building process, the floor and ceiling were completed first
before the interior walls were put into place allowing for a more flexible format that can be changed relatively easily
as the family progresses through various life stages, with minimal structural damage in the process.
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Say the architects: We approached
the brief in the form of a case study
so that the challenge, procedure and
decision-making could be effectively
documented. This would include the
iterative design, specification and
construction decisions taken along
the way. We wanted to provide a
physical example for consumers
to experience a better, more
comfortable, healthier, smarter living
machine as a final result.
Key questions were: What
makes building with contemporary
products (Saint-Gobain / Gyproc
drywalling) better than the likes of
traditional materials, such as brick?
And, how to influence the ingrained
perception that the average South
African consumer holds in regard to
contemporary building materials?
Managing the integration of these
and other techniques specifically
steel and masonry construction
was an initial challenge.
right & overleaf: The interior design team were specifically tasked with the challenge to create a signature that would
complement this approach. They effectively solved the challenge by curating and designing custom-built pieces that
merge contemporary forms with traditional materials. This becomes evident in the use of natural wood and the smooth
curves seen throughout the various furnishings.
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The architects view was that the demands of modern-day living and
the availability of contemporary building materials required a review of
the traditional approach. They add: Our intended contribution included
a review of the very process of how homes are conceived and built, to
explore how to approach design and create a contemporary home by
critically engaging the concept at each step of design and construction.
We believe that the end result is clearly modernist, yet purposefully
carries a range of familiar finishes. Given the high tech nature of the
products used in construction, we wanted to ensure that the technology
remained unseen, whilst the home itself delivered a comforting, welcoming
feel. This included the integration of organic finishes: parquet floors,
wooden windows, rock and masonry walling.
Located in a natural farm landscape of long grasses,
trees and rolling hills; the house was designed to sit lightly
on the land, ensuring views to the exterior from every
vantage point through double glazed windows. In the winter
months, the steel frame roof structure is angled to allow
for the highveld winter sun to stream into the interior. In
summer when the sun is higher, the roof angle protects
the same interiors and provides a natural gradient for the
collection of rainwater in the summer months. This water
runs into three large steel tanks behind the house and is
stored for future use.
Within the lounge area is a rock masonry wall, a familiar
and traditional feature that sits well alongside state-of-
the art walling materials from Saint-Gobain / Gyproc SA.
Its these innovative materials, plus the intelligent yet
sympathetic design of the home that gives it its smart
credentials. The materials work behind the scenes to
create a far more comfortable and healthier living
experience because of their thermal, acoustic and
air-cleansing efficiencies. The latest Morso fireplace was
installed, but the roof design and thermal efficiencies of the
materials have resulted in it not being lit once over the recent
winter months.
Established almost more than 350 years ago, Saint-Gobain
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The art in the home comprises a mix of
modernist, young South African painters
and photographers, alongside classic
masters such as JH Pierneef.
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is globally recognised as the world leader
in the sustainable habitat and construction
markets. Working with the Stand 47 Case
Study as part of its ongoing global research
and development commitment provided an
ideal opportunity for Saint-Gobain / Gyproc SA
to demonstrate the efficiency, robustness and
high-performance qualities of their products
and materials.
These various lightweight systems provide
acoustic and thermal insulation, improved
indoor air quality, have moisture resistant
properties, are highly durable and retard the
spread of fire for up to 120 minutes. These
performance walls are also easily adaptable
to changing needs, as is the case in this
unobstructed open plan design. This is visible
in features such as the single floor and
ceiling throughout the home, and the flexible
configuration of the second bathroom
sections of which can be isolated according to
the day-to-day needs of the occupants.
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The main bedroom has an en suite bathroom. The second bathroom is unique because of its modular design; it is divided
into three by interleading doors creating three separate spaces. These comprise a guest toilet, bath / vanity space and
shower room. With open doors it becomes a single bathroom offering these features; when the doors are closed these
can be used separately a clever, efficient use of space, unique and fully functional.
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