A Sense Of Calm

This Stellenbosch family home is satisfyingly modern, but also an oasis of tranquillity in a busy world

- Diana Wemyss

By the time architect Hanlie Booyens met the Stals family of Stellenbosch, they had decided that their 1960’s home was not worth upgrading. With damp problems, clumsy extensions and no flow, the house was ripe for demolition. The unusually large 2 000m 2 sloping site was, however, in a choice area, close to the top schools.

“The main goal,” says Hanlie, “was to design an easy-flowing home without the clutter and damp issues of the old house, and to minimise internal retaining walls. The clients wanted a very contemporary feel but not a cold glass box. The overall aim was to establish calm spaces throughout.”

Hanlie’s solution was to divide the house into what she terms two ‘ships’ with the structures connected by a strong central axis of walkways and stairs.