House Hefer – Leeuwfontein Estate
House Hefer is designed as a single storey structure, fragmented into smaller units with minimum impact on its typical bushveld context northeast of Pretoria. The corner property affords unobstructed views of the distant hills. Estate rules determine that no boundary walls be built, and also regulate the maximum footprint of designs.
Two intersecting galleries, running the width and length of the house, provide internal movement between rooms. Through their height they become important external visual elements. Here clerestory windows let in natural light resulting in airy interior spaces. One is constantly aware of the changing quality of light throughout the day, and between nature and the building when moving through the house.
Earthy colours, textured plaster, wood and stone walls strengthen the closeness of the house with nature. The low pitched roofs are covered in composite sheets of copper, zinc and titanium, chosen for its ability to weather with age.
The client required an easy living and timeless home, resulting in a functional floor plan, with centrally positioned free-flowing living areas. Cantilevered concrete window overhangs provide desirable energy efficiency. Situated east, off the entrance gallery, the bedroom wing is private. The garages and servants’ wing are positioned to the southwest, forming a barrier from neighbouring properties.
The client required an easy living and timeless home, resulting in a functional floor plan, with centrally positioned free-flowing living areas. Cantilevered concrete window overhangs provide desirable energy efficiency. Situated east, off the entrance gallery, the bedroom wing is private. The garages and servants’ wing are positioned to the southwest, forming a barrier from neighbouring properties.
Client Testimonial
Tydens ‘n onderhoud met Mellet & Human Argitekte het ons ons behoeftes, asook die boustyl wat ons verlang met hulle bespreek. Ons wou graag ‘n tydlose ontwerp hê wat genoeg lig bedags inlaat en die natuurlike landskap innooi na binne vir genieting. Dit vervul die doel van die eko-landgoed.
Die eindproduk is ‘n leefhuis met ‘n kontemporêre ontwerp wat inskakel by die omgewing. Die huis leef baie goed met ‘n warm atmosfeer wat mens binnenooi.
Bedags geniet ons die natuur, en saans die maan en sterre wat sigbaar is deur hoë vensters.
Die ontwerp leen hom toe aan gemoedelike kuier met familie en vriende met maksimale benutting van alle ruimtes.
-Ettienne Hefer
List Of Professionals/Consultants And Contractors
ARCHITECTS:
Mellet & Human Architects
PROJECT TEAM:
André Mellet, Willem Human
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS:
Liebenberg, Jenkins and Partners
PROJECT MANAGERS:
AHA Projects