ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Herlig Residence by KUBE architectureJune 16th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: KUBE architecture Alterations and Additions for Rolf Herlig and Janice Eady The existing residence was largely unaware of the magnitude of its location with mere glimpses of the city and ocean beyond apparent from inside the house. The majestic presence of Table Mountain was to a large extent ignored. Internally the house was a mishmash of the original structure and new add-ons. The client’s brief was simple; rework the upper level to facilitate a more congenial lifestyle, and revisit the current roof design in order to exploit the magnificent views of Table Mountain.
As you enter the grey mass of the fireplace rises up ahead of you, behind it the slopes of signal Hill. The study area is separated from the entrance by a screen of vertical timber which floats over a pool of black granite. To the right is located the master suite, to the left, the living space gathers round the fire place, its flue shooting up through the volume. Ahead the staircase drops down to the lower level where the other downstairs lounge, wine cellar, guest quarters and garage is located. The existing tile roof was removed and replaced with a mono-pitch sheet metal roof which follows the slope of the landscape. Conceptually the mono-pitch roof floats over the living spaces while the serving spaces are sheltered beneath a heavier concrete roof at a lower level. The double volume living, dining and master suite is located in the front facing North East where the views of the harbour lie. High level windows frame the crest of Table Mountain towards the South-West. The exposed timber rafters rear up in salute of the mountain. The parquet flooring was recycled from three different sites and laid in stretcher-bond fashion to create the unique effect. Large sliding doors were introduced on the North-East elevation in order to strengthen the connection to the pool deck and the views beyond. The metal roof gently dissolves into a floating timber pergola which filters the North-East light and provides shelter from the glare. The kitchen, guest wc, study, dressing room and en-suite are located beneath the slab towards the rear of the house. Below the slab, to the mountain elevation a horizontal glazing strip was introduced to acknowledge and celebrate the junction between the old and the new. Considering that one needed to pass through the “serving” spaces to reach the “served” spaces it is only appropriate that the concrete roof would step up to acknowledge this procession. The slab drops down outside the master en-suite and gently lifts the timber clad box, reaching towards the slopes of Table Mountain. The original kitchen was remodelled and numerous walls removed in order to connect with the living and dining spaces. The sleekness of the kitchen installation is complemented by the off-shutter slab and recycled timber parquet flooring. Outside the kitchen an intimate courtyard is suited to late afternoon drinks while appreciating the sun setting behind Lion’s Head. Contact KUBE architecture and KUBE architecture
Categories: House, Residential |