HOUSE GERBER - LYNNWOOD
This residence is situated on a large property in a security enclosed, established Pretoria suburb.
The clients required a house for relaxed living for a family of five, garden space for children to play, privacy, simplicity and a timeless design.
In order to create sufficient play area for children, and privacy from neighbours, the house is set back to the far south of the property. A curved driveway and stone walls direct visitors from the vehicle entrance on the western boundary, to the private parking courtyard on the south side of the house. Concrete steps suspended over a shallow reflective pond lead to the front door. Large expanses of double volume glass create a sense of airy transparency, allowing glimpses of the ground floor living areas through to the garden.
A corner window forms a focal point of an existing tree on entering the house. The central position of the double volume foyer provides easy access to the communal ground floor living areas and private bedroom areas on first floor. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors provide sufficient interior northern light to living areas, as well as unrestricted views and flow to the garden and pool.
Textured materials and finishes compliment the sculptural timeless design. Walls are bagged and painted brick, offset with smooth plaster and dry packed stone. Natural slate roofs are connected by flat concrete roofs. Internally wooden floors contrast with polished porcelain tiles. Earthy and neutral colours are used throughout.
The design incorporates energy saving features to create comfortable living conditions. North orientation and large expanses of glass provide sufficient natural light throughout the day minimizing use of electricity. Cantilevered slabs over windows and doors designed according to seasonal sun angles provide sun control. The roofs are double insulated. Energy efficient systems are installed for under floor heating, hot water provision to geysers, and for air conditioning. Rainwater is collected in tanks for garden irrigation.
List Of Professionals/Consultants And Contractors
Architects:
Mellet & Human Architects
Project Team:
André Mellet, Willem Human
Structural Engineers:
Ellis Structural & Civil Engineers (Francois Ellis)
Quantity Surveyor:
LWQS (Leatitia Wannenburg)
Building Contractor:
Arnokon Projects (Bernard Arnoldi)
Hear from our clients
We love our new home designed by Andre and Willem! Its design elements weren’t fully appreciated until we started living in the house. For the past 3 years it has been a source of unending pleasure discovering different intriguing aspects of the design. For example, the visual excitement induced by the varying ceiling heights on the first floor and the exterior that offers diverse perspectives. One can never get tired of marvelling at the beautiful design!
Our favourite aspect of the house is the large ceiling to floor sliding doors in every room which blurs the boundaries between inside and outside. This allows us to live into our garden and take advantage of the green bushveld scenery typical of South African landscapes.
The layout of the 3 bedroom suites have allowed for privacy and easy living for our family of four. The third bedroom on ground floor has successfully been converted to a guest suite with a private lounge.
The entertainment / braai area that opens up directly adjacent to the dining room and kitchen allows for effortless flow and easy access has been a feature we have come to enjoy and appreciate on a daily basis.
The northern positioning combined with the overhang and large double-glazed windows allows for the full experience of changing light. Sunrise has become an event in our house😊 and there is a real connection with the garden from within the house.
Natural ventilation cools the house during warmer months and the double cavity walls and extensive insulation in the floors and ceilings have ensured the internal house temperature is maintained. A swamp water cooler is utilised in summer when temperatures exceed 34degrees and in winter the sun warms the house adequately until sunset when a log combustion fireplace and smaller gas heaters are used.
The eco-conscious aspects of the house are especially pleasing. The solar power system supplies 90% of our daily power needs and has reduced our electricity bill enormously. The water harvesting design of the roof leads to catchment of water into 2 of our 3 water tanks and a borehole supplies all the needs of the garden. A future filtration system is planned to utilise borehole water for household consumption.
- Louw & ingred Gerber
Award-Winning Architecture
Mellet & Human Architects is an award-winning South African firm recognised for design excellence, innovation, and timeless architecture. Our work reflects a legacy of quality and visionary impact.