MAKEOVER magic
South African Garden and Home|March 2020
The result of foresight and clever ideas, these six projects, both big and small, are proof that it’s worth the effort to create a space that suits your lifestyle
ANNE SCHAUFFER
MAKEOVER magic

RETAINING A LIFESTYLE

Establishing a level entertaining area off this Durban home took vision and ingenuity

THE PROBLEM

Like so many of Durban’s old houses, André Church and her husband Andrew’s 1930’s home was designed to capitalise on the sea views and breezes, to the detriment of outdoor living. The garden and swimming pool were on a much higher level than the house and the only access was up a steep flight of steps. “It was such an effort to get up there, we seldom used them,” recalls Andrew. In addition, the retaining wall was a mere 1,5m from the house, making it very dark.

THE SOLUTION

The couple approached architect David Nelson of Bloc Architects. Together, they decided that the best approach would be to push back the retaining wall. This would create a level area off the TV room and let in much-needed natural light.

“As there was a cottage above the old pool, moving the wall presented quite a challenge,” says David. “We had to use contiguous pile walls to ensure the stability of the upper structure, while maximising the outdoor living space below.” Adding to the challenge was the lack of access, which meant that all the excavated soil had to be removed by hand.

Once the area was levelled, a small pool was built on one side and surrounded by decking and paving. Opposite it is a timber-slatted, waterproof pergola, which provides both shade, protection, and privacy from the cottage. “We introduced planter boxes against the new retaining walls to soften them. They also have a cooling effect,” says David.

To connect the kitchen to the deck, sliding windows and a bar counter were installed and new double sliding doors provide access to the house through the TV room.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2020-Ausgabe von South African Garden and Home.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2020-Ausgabe von South African Garden and Home.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS SOUTH AFRICAN GARDEN AND HOMEAlle anzeigen
Winter Warmer
South African Garden and Home

Winter Warmer

Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
Carved in MARBLE
South African Garden and Home

Carved in MARBLE

Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
South African Garden and Home

A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom

Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
Nature's Hidden Harvest
South African Garden and Home

Nature's Hidden Harvest

Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures

time-read
7 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
PAPER BRIQUETTES
South African Garden and Home

PAPER BRIQUETTES

Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours

time-read
1 min  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
South African Garden and Home

WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS

Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
In The Garden
South African Garden and Home

In The Garden

July Garden To-dos

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
ELEGANT AGAVES
South African Garden and Home

ELEGANT AGAVES

Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
MIRROR UPDATE
South African Garden and Home

MIRROR UPDATE

Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY

time-read
1 min  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
LOFT LUXE
South African Garden and Home

LOFT LUXE

This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces

time-read
4 Minuten  |
Garden&Home; July 2024