House Green is situated in the prestigious Waterfall Country Estate. Our design team was challenged with a brief that requested a contemporary approach to the building form that is in keeping with the parameters of the architectural guidelines of the estate.

Dynamic space, natural light, and ventilation were at the core of the client’s requirements with attention to gradients of privacy.

Elongated strips of in-situ concrete paving disappear into natural veld grass to keep the street edge as soft as possible.

Upon parking, a new guest might feel slightly bedazzled as to where the access to the house is situated. The facade of seamless natural timber hide the front entrance, only to be revealed by the light from the entrance lobby that glints through the slats from the interior

A central gallery connects wings of light that open toward one another and connect the inside and outside living spaces to create the dynamic quality as requested in the brief.

Natural Southern light floods every room by means of diagonal southern clerestory windows. These windows lean over a concrete apron that protects all external doors from the elements, allowing them to stand open when a light afternoon drizzle comes down.

A bridge over the pool forms the threshold between the public areas and more private bedroom wing.

Indigenous Highveld vegetation softens the courtyards between the built structures. These gardens require minimal water and can successfully be irrigated by the rainwater harvesting system that is integrated into the architecture.

Large windows provide effective cross ventilation that eliminates the requirement for air conditioning systems.

The predominant rectangular forms of the building are juxtaposed against a double volume silo that is used as a library and wine cellar. The double volume structure connects the foyer with an upstairs guest room and art studio with a private veranda. The walls are textured and in stark contrast to the smooth foyer tiles. A space designed for sitting and reading.