CONTENTS 261 > 263 > Editor’s Foreword 264 > The essence of a woman 268 > Italy on display 270 > A passion for elegant furniture 274 > Easy wallpaper effects are quick and convenient 276 > Lighting up The White House 278 > Estate feature: Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate
CREDITS CEO & Publisher > Cameron Bramley
Design > in Living magazine
Editor > Bev Hermanson bev@designmagazine.co.za
Block C, The Palms Office Park, Main Avenue, Ferndale,
Advertising consultants > Jason Bramley, Jaime-Lee van Sittert, Geri Adolphe, Simone De Beer, Charl Lampbrechts, Meyer Venter
Tel: +27 11 998 2800 Fax: +27 11 998 2801
Randburg, 2194, South Africa
No part of this publication may be reproduced without the Production co-ordinatior > Michelle Swart Administration > Lana McLachlan Design and layout > Bluprint Design (pp 261-277) Karen Harvey (from page 278)
prior written consent of the publishers. The publisher and staff do not take responsibility for any errors or omissions. The Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate information was deemed accurate at time of publication, but details may change as the estate development progresses.
263 >
EDITOR’S FOREWORD
B
rilliance comes in many different guises, whether
Despite recent reports that the British property market
it’s a masterfully pieced-together golf estate,
is expected to bottom out towards the end of this year,
a well-manufactured product or the brilliance
with a drop of up to 25% of their property values, in South
of a talented graduate that brings world acclaim to her
Africa, we are still holding up well. In fact, our market
clients. Whatever the field or application, the response
is attracting lots of attention and we are now finding
can be breathtaking, overwhelming, resounding,
many more foreign suppliers pitching to claim a share
completely unexpected, if it’s done right.
of our business. This should be a wake-up call to local manufacturers, as we certainly have the capabilities
In this edition, we continue to showcase the magnificent
to produce designs and finishes equal to, if not better
Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, with some extra
than, our overseas counterparts.
pictures of their recently-opened clubhouse. We take a look at a range of recycled products that caught the
While it’s flattering to see that international players are
eye of United States President, Barack Obama, and
looking at our market as an outlet for their products,
visit the exhibition, held at the UJ Alumni Gallery, that
we need to be watchful that we do not unnecessarily
pays tribute to the works of Maira Koutsoudakis.
lose market share in our own back yards.
Tap into some Italian inspiration with Fabbian lights,
Bev Hermanson Studio and find out how the Koreans paint ‘wallpaper’ Editor > explore the English crafting techniques used by Sofa onto walls.
living
264 >
The essence of a woman By Bev Hermanson
Mother, wife, twin sister, acclaimed designer, Maira Koutsoudakis is as eloquent as she is creative. She clearly is a favourite amongst her past lecturers, clients and peers. She has spun her magic in many an interior. Restaurants, lodges, resorts, corporate interiors and distinguished homes have been brought to life by her touch. She has worked in Qatar, Antananarivo, Greece, Britain, the Seychelles, Madagascar and throughout southern Africa. Her work has been described as soulfully earthy, yet sometimes quirky with a sense of humour, unapologetically South African in its genre.
Ubuntu chair
T
o acknowledge this outstanding talent, the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture recently held an exhibition of her work, entitled Essence: The Work of Maira Koutsoudakis in the Alumni Gallery on the UJ Auckland Park Campus. The exhibition showcased the variety of Maira Koutsoudakis’ accomplishments in the form of selected items on display, as well as an overview of the many projects that she has been involved in as part of her practice, LIFE, which she runs with her husband and business partner, John Koutsoudakis, and associate, Tony Pereira. Since 2003, Maira Koutsoudakis has won numerous awards for her work, including a Gold Loerie Award for Environmental Design for the 1886 Restaurant & Private Bar (2005) and the Best Urban Redevelopment Award for the Penthouse of the National Bank House, London (2005). Her work has been showcased at a myriad exhibitions, amongst them a number of Design Made
in Africa Exhibitions, Design Indaba, North South curated by Li Edelkoort and the South Exhibition in Cape Town. Her product designs have been singled out repeatedly for International EDIDA Awards, in
particular for her pod lights (2003), Jhb Wallpaper (2004), Wodaabe Seating (2005) and Him Basin in the Bathroom category (2007). One of the most notable projects that she has been involved in, as part of LIFE, is the North Island Resort in the Seychelles. Here, the practice has driven the conceptual design, interior architecture and interior design, design strategy and creative direction of this private island resort. Many items have been custom-designed to suit the climate, location and unique guest experience defined for a conservation-oriented eco-establishment. As a result, the North Island Resort has claimed title after title, thanks to the organic modernism and unique resort offering that has been formulated by the dynamic team. With accolades such as One of the World’s Coolest Hotels (2004), One of the Sexiest Places Across the Globe (2004), No.1 in the World’s Top 100 Best of the Best in the World (Conde Nast Traveller UK 2006) and The Most Consistently Brilliant Hotel in the World (Tatler Travel Awards 2007), to name but a few, small wonder the UJ Alumni Gallery thought it only fitting to acknowledge this world-acclaimed graduate.
Explaining the theme for the UJ exhibition, Koutsoudakis says: “Every creative exercise begins as a denuding one. Slowly, layer by layer, the superficial is stripped away until we arrive at the essence, the spirit of the thing.” “How to transcend the ephemeral, celebrate it, distill it, capture its essence in a way that is meaningful – universally and personally – and express it in a manner which makes the soul soar, is, I believe, the art of design.” <
living
266 >
Wodaabe.
North Island Resort, Seychelles.
Tony Pereira, Maira Koutsoudakis, John Koutsoudakis, the drivers of LIFE.
Vessels from the Scar Collection.
Tashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant Franchises.
Serra Cafema, Namibia. living
268 >
Italy on display
I
talian fashion has always been distinctive, whether it is in the garments industry, furnishings or kitchen and bathroom wares. Italian designs are immaculate.
Their functionality, superb. The recent Italian Technology and Heritage Expo 2009, held at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, reinforced this premise with a select arrangement of Italian furniture, lighting and accessories on display. One of the exhibitors was Fabbian, the lighting manufacturer that produces exceptional light fittings in a 8200 sqm plant in the metropolitan area of Venice in Italy. Now represented by Fabbian South Africa in Northridingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deco Park, this exclusive range of lighting offers exclusivity and style that will be difficult to surpass in any home, hotel or distinctive interior. With 48 years of research and innovation in lighting, Fabbian now ships over 260 000 light fittings annually all over the world. The company employs 28 architects and designers to develop masterpieces that will give any space that extra touch of class. <
Kone by Paolo De Lucchi & Enrica Frezza.
Hungry by Ali Siahvoshi.
living
270 >
Saturnina by Afra e Tobia Scarpa. Teorema by Giampiero Derai. Vicky by Nicola Gadrin & Roger Zanon.
SECTION > 271
A passion for elegant furniture In a time where traditional artisan skills have almost disappeared, and where mass- produced comparable furniture is the order of the day, it is refreshing to see a company that creates exclusive furniture made according to time-honoured techniques.
Cossett.
living
272 >
D
riven by the dynamic duo of Mark Bain and
displays an arched back and side, with strong symmetry.
Eloise McCarthy**, the Cape Town-based Sofa
Each piece within this collection is not only expertly
Studio makes a range of sofas, occasional chairs
crafted, but truly unique and patented, a refreshing
and chaise lounges with coil spring bases, contoured
change from the mass produced invariable designs
backs and expertly fitted upholstery.
we see today.
Each item of furniture is made to exacting standards,
The Aviator collection is equally as impressive and
using traditional English craft techniques to ensure
further bears testament to Bain’s eminence as a
superior comfort and longevity. The hand crafted frames,
furniture designer. Reminiscent of luxurious airport
made from cabinet-quality kiln dried pine are secured
lounges in the 1930s where glamorous film stars
by dowels (cylindrical wooden rods). A patented coil
rested whilst waiting to board, this Art Deco range
sprung base prevents the seat from sagging over
features arched sides, low slung backs and the
time, whilst meticulous care is taken to ensure the
fastidious detailing that one has come to expect from
rake (angle) of the seat is perfectly adjusted to ensure
this company.
ideal comfort. **Mark Bain has a BA Honours in three dimensional The recently launched Orchid Collection is testament
furniture design from High Wycombe, the renowned
to Bain’s passion for design, and was inspired by the
centre of British furniture manufacturing, whilst
luscious curves of nature, particularly the ephemeral
business partner, Eloise McCarthy, has a distinction
beauty of the Orchid. The design of the sculptural Orchid
in Traditional Upholstery from Hereford College of
chair is redolent of a flower’s petals in full bloom and
Technology, UK. <
Aviator Chair.
Chaise Lounge.
Stamen.
living
2 4 >
EASY WALLPAPER EFFECTS ARE qUICk AND CONVENIENT By Bev Hermanson
A
re you one of those people that battles with wall papering? No need to panic. There’s a simple roller application that will give your
walls a stylish wall-papered finish without the fuss. Called Liquid Wallpaper from Newwo, this easy-toapply roller application involves two layers of base coat and then a top coat in a range of designs to suit your taste and interior décor. The great thing about this method is that you have a far wider choice of colourways, although the choice of patterns is relatively limited. The end result is washable and quite easy to change – and if you like
to re-organise your home regularly, probably a great
retirement homes and churches. The materials are
deal of fun.
non-combustible, fungus resistant and washable.
The baby’s room, bedrooms, dining room and lounge
“This eco-friendly finishing material is not just a simple
can be easily visualised by visiting the Newwo
paint method. It is a patented product that does not
website and choosing a design which then washes
give off any harmful by-products,” says Leo of Newwo.
over the walls on the illustrations to give you a better
“It can be applied to a variety of surfaces, too – such
idea of the general effect.
as zinc, metal, plastic and acrylic, as well as the normal brick and plastered walls. It is anti-corrosive, UV
Winners of the UNEP Ministry of Environment Award
resistant, waterproof and dust resistant – the perfect
and the Korean Healthy House Award in 2006, Newwo
solution to your decorating needs” <
assures us that this method is eco-friendly and safe, even for public facilities, such as schools, hospitals,
living
276 >
Lighting up The White House By Bev Hermanson
I
’m not sure that I’m willing to make the leap just yet, but Barack Obama and his family have and this firm’s light fittings are now lighting up the US President’s private quarters at The White House in Washington DC. Based in Barrydale in the Cape’s Overberg District, Magpie manufactures a wide selection of light fittings from cast off and recycled materials such as plastic milk bottles, cold drink containers, bottle tops and the like. Founded in 1998 by crafter and designer, Scott B Hart, and social entrepreneur, Shane A Petzer, and later joined by fine artist Sean Daniel and their administrator, Richard Panaino, this socially conscious art collective endeavours to link the art forms with environmentally-conscious manufacturing. Their creations are sent around the world and in fact the Obamas saw them at a store in New York, fell in love with them and decided they must have them for their home. Many of the Magpie fittings are shipped in a compact version, using recycled packaging. This is particularly nifty for the decorative retrofits that are simply wrapped around single light bulbs. For these, the creators have been careful to use heat-resistant materials, but for energy-saver applications, where the bulbs emit limited heat, a large variety of plastics is used. In support of this sustainable manufacturer, the residents of Barrydale are now bringing their used packaging to the factory to be meaningfully recycled – an excellent example of how communities can pull together for the greater benefit of the planet. <
living
Let your spirit soar . . .
Introduction wo brothers, Leon and Gideon van der Vyver, had a vision to develop a self-contained lifestyle estate offering a combination of business and leisure facilities that would allow families to thrive and build a meaningful life together. Their concept of quality of life went beyond having a signature golf course designed by one of the world's best golfers and beyond the notion of being able to ride horses along bridle paths. Their quest was to achieve a closer relationship between nature and people, through the re-introduction of wildlife to a newly-created highveld neighbourhood, the Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate.
T
Credit must go to the collaborative efforts of the professional team, to the estate architects, Stauch Vorster, who have remained custodians of the architectural principles of the estate, to the Serengeti Marketing division and all the suppliers that have held true to that vision. This estate has enormous potential to deliver excellent value due to the facilities it offers within a secure infrastructure. Needless to say, its location is simply superb and those that choose to invest in property at Serengeti will be assured of a winning combination of easy living and convenience for everyone in the family.
280
Hear the call of Africa
282
J
ohannesburg's East Rand has long been populated by salt-of-
the-earth entrepreneurs that tackle
everything from mining and a broad cross section of industries to agriculture. You won't find huge craggy mountains, sea views or lush forests here. This is a place of wide open spaces where you will find a brand new suburb, a meticulously planned lifestyle estate, named after the wild stretch of the East African savannah, known as the Serengeti.
283
We supply all your building materials • Cement • Bricks • Other building Materials • Approved Serengeti supplier 38 Nieshout St Bardene Ext 2 Boksburg 1459 Tel: (011) 894-6304 Fax: (011) 894-6134 Cell: 083 232 4570 Email: jjisupplies@telkomsa.net
he 780 hectare site of The Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate used to be covered with maize crops. For generations, this was agricultural land, but its close proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport kept beckoning the owners to transform the land into a residential node that could offer so much more.
T
This has not been a rush, let's-jump-onto-the-highdensity-housing, make a quick buck while you can development. In fact, nothing was launched on this estate until a thorough environmental impact study was completed. The developers travelled extensively around South Africa and the United States, exploring the different options and examining the dynamics of various residential developments. The result of all the research, strategising and conceptualising is a future proof security estate that will eventually have the full spectrum of what a community needs to function at all levels.
285
ringing the spirit of Africa home to the residents, there is a 280-hectare conservation area covering the outskirts of the northern and eastern aspects of the estate. Here, wildlife will roam freely and a wide variety of bird species will be left to thrive in the veld and the wetlands that have been restored to the area.
B
There are two entrances - the north gate that is entered off the R25 from the R21 and the south gate that leads to the R23. Once the Gautrain is operational, residents will be able to commute to both Johannesburg and Pretoria, simply by taking a shuttle from the estate to the airport and hopping onto a train. For frequent flyers, there will be no need to synchronise family and friends to fetch and carry, nor will there be exorbitant parking costs - the car stays home in the garage, while the traveller traverses the globe with peace of mind.
287
ommunity living at its best is enhanced by the various public facilities that will be available within the estate. The Serengeti Village Square retail centre, a stone's throw away from the clubhouse, will include a deli for daily shopping, a coffee shop, restaurants and other boutique-style stores, so that residents don't have to leave the estate to do their shopping.
C
Adjacent to the north gate, an office park and a hotel will cater to the business requirements of the residents. Close to the south gate, the Serengeti Academy, which opens in 2010, will offer private education to the children on the estate. The school will be opened in phases and by 2013, the Academy will be fully operational, catering to all ages, from Grade 000 (3 years old) to Grade 12 (matric). The Equestrian Centre next to the Academy will have stabling for horses and residents will be able to enjoy riding along the 17 kilometres of bridle paths and through the conservation area.
289
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course entral to the lifestyle aspect of the estate, the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course will ensure that players get their fair share of exercise and challenges from the small ball. This is the fifth Jack Nicklaus-designed course to be built in South Africa, rubbing shoulders with sister courses at Pecanwood, Simola, Pearl Valley and St Francis Links.
C
The Serengeti course is the first golf course in Gauteng to be planted with cool season grasses allowing golfers to enjoy playing on green fairways all year round. The driving range has two generous tee complexes and there is a teaching academy where qualified PGA Professionals are available to help golfers improve their game and encourage residents to learn the sport.
291
he estate architects tasked with translating and safeguarding the vision of the development, Stauch Vorster Architects (Johannesburg), were involved in delivering all the infrastructure buildings including the Estate Management Complex and the recently opened clubhouse.
T
“Our approach to determining the architectural language of the estate was to define an elegant and appropriate South African/ Johannesburg architecture, unmistakably African in its experience,” comments Stauch Vorster's project partner, Andrew Payne. “We tried to keep all the materials as true to themselves as possible, using the natural colours and textures as they are. We wanted to avoid using anything fake and in our guidelines we encouraged authentic architecture, true to our local context, yet contemporary, very much 2009 in its interpretation.”
293
Clubhouse ll the architecture on the estate is inspired by the horizontal lines evoked by the Serengeti and the site itself. The approach to the clubhouse design was to further establish as much synergy between the natural and the built environments as possible. The front entrance to the building is deceptive in its simplicity, appearing as a single storey that lies flat amidst veld grasses and indigenous plantscaping. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only as you come around to the other side that the full extent of the building, with its large expanses of glass and double volume vistas over the golf course, is revealed.
A
The external finishes received a lot of attention and off shutter concrete, reeded plaster and beautiful stonework have been given a touch of warmth with the addition of random timber cladding and decking. Although treated with oil-based preservatives, the wood will be allowed to weather over time to a silver-grey hue, to blend with the concrete and stone.
295
he thatch roofing has been used in a crisp and modern way, with the wavy lines of the eaves and gumpoles giving way to the clean straight lines of the paired planed timber trusses that are braced with cables.
T
Water is a fundamental part of the experience to and through the clubhouse. As you arrive, there is a sense of collecting under the shade of an umbrella thorn at a water source, providing the metaphorical respite from the sometimes harsh African elements prior to embarking on the journey which, in this case, is through the building. The water 'journeys' through the building along with you and you are almost always aware of its presence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Water has so many positive influences on the soul. It has incredible reflection qualities and we've tried hard to maximise what the water has to offer in terms of its impact on all the senses,â&#x20AC;? says Payne.
297
o ensure that the building's environment became as self-regulating as possible, the architects did shadow studies to determine the impact of the sun at different times of the year.
T
Through the addition of timber slatted screens, deep overhangs and carefully considered openings, unnecessary energy consumption, caused by having to heat the building in winter and cool it in summer, has been avoided. Here again, the presence of water has significance, as it also serves as a natural coolant and contributes to the natural regulation of the building's temperature. Added to this, large floor-to-ceiling foldaway doors have been used at every possible opportunity and, particularly in the upstairs restaurant, members' lounge, founder members' lounge, conference centre and the pro shop, on a clear day, you almost feel that the entire building is a part of the landscape.
299
he word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;discreetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is what comes to mind when considering the location of the back-ofhouse kitchen facilities that are conveniently positioned out of the way, yet easily accessible by the conference facilities, the boardroom, the fine dining restaurant and the lounge. The locker rooms are centrally situated, yet not 'in your face' and there is a second 'reception area' that has been created on the lower level for receiving guests on corporate golf days, so that the members do not feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of these large events.
T
On the whole, there has been minimal window treatment, just the odd voile curtain here and there, except in the conference venue, where thicker curtaining is required for audio visual presentations. Low level lights, standing lamps and convenientlypositioned fireplaces add to the atmosphere, while weather-resistant outdoor furniture and clusters of occasional chairs and sofas invite you to sit back and relax and enjoy a refreshing pre- or after-dinner drink.
301
82 Pomona Road, Pomona, Kempton Park PO Box 14638, Bredell 1623 Tel: +27 11 979 0973/4 Cell: +27 82 855 4670 (Kobus) Cell: +27 83 292 4771 (Ernst) Cell: +27 82 820 1145 (Jackie) Fax Number: 086 547 1516 Email: ksteyn@serengetiga.co.za or jsteyn@mailone.co.za
The Show Village or the housing development, twenty firms have been hand-picked to sit on the panel of accredited architects. They were chosen according to their interpretation of the overall vision and their commitment to preserving the integrity of the estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity.
F
To better illustrate what can be achieved within the architectural guidelines, a show village has been built. It is a reflection of how differing styles and interpretations can still work together in unison within the framework of the style guidelines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea of having a variety of showhouses is that, if you bring 20 000 people through the six houses, the chances are higher that everyone will find something that appeals to them,â&#x20AC;? explains Andrew Payne.
303
NODDs Interior Contractors Ceilings â&#x20AC;˘ Partitions â&#x20AC;˘ Bulkheads Tel: (011) 478-2976 Fax: (011) 478-2977 Cell: 082 903 8012 Email: nodd@iafrica.com
S
tylepro - A Company driven by people with a passion for what they do. As times have changed, we at Stylepro have embraced the opportunities afforded to us to be able to make a difference in people's lives. As a company we provide a comprehensive service to our clients, from a complete building solution to specialized services such as decorative concrete wall and floor solutions as offered from Flexicrete. As a current member of the NHBRC and being BBE compliant we offer our services across the board from large developments right up to affordable housing for our local municipalities.
STYLEPRO DEVELOPMENTS Ck 2006/077340/23 N.H.B.R.C Member 39804 188 Combrink c/o/ Peenz St, Putfontein
Creating a better lifestyle for all
Gauteng Email: admin@stylepro.co.za Website: www.stylepro.co.za Tel: 011 965 1840 Fax: 011 965 1840
ositioned around a close, the houses have a variety of orientations. Stauch Vorster Architects were responsible for two of the show houses – No.35 and No.39. The other four were designed by: Edmonds & Erasmus – No.37, Nico van der Meulen – No.34, SBE Architects – No.38 and Thomas Gouws Architects – No.36. Each of the interiors was styled by a different interior design firm, to further establish variety and points of difference.
P
“All the professional consultants working at the estate had to have bought into the philosophy that holds the whole together,” says Payne. “This protects the individual and overall investment and actually goes way beyond the architecture. The urban, architectural, engineering, landscaping and interior design disciplines have to work seamlessly to deliver and reinforce the original concept of the estate.”
305
oth of the Stauch Vorster houses were designed as a series of frames through which the natural light and the beauty of the surroundings is brought indoors. Understanding that the South African lifestyle encompasses living outdoors as much as possible, the architects created outdoor 'rooms' that closely interconnect with the internal rooms, both structurally and through the colours and the materials used.
B
“For me, nature is the inspiration and the canvas. Every building is an opportunity to connect people with each other and with nature, through their entire experience,” says Payne. “For the two showhouses, we chose to design simple single storey houses close to nature with familiar double pitched roofs. No.35 has more warmth in its colour, texture and materiality, while in No. 39 we used lighter crisper colours for a more modern and cleaner look.”
307
Contemporary Lapa he approach to House No.37 again gives you a sense of the modern woven into a distinctly African abode. Designed by JoĂŠhan Erasmus of Edmonds & Erasmus, this home was fashioned around the lifestyle of a top entrepreneur that works from home and entertains in grand style.
T
To the left of the entrance, a separate garage has been set aside for the golf cart, with a double garage placed to the right for the family vehicles. The pathway has a 'canopy' of latte, slung hammock-style over the entrance. Although the roof is thatch, the apex, made of glass, forms a natural skylight throughout.
309
Welcome to
creative living We provide the full solution. From supply and fitting to refilling of cylinders. We sell all major brands.
Our installations include domestic, factories, restaurants, workshops and laboratories. Members of SA Fuel gases Assoc. SA Compressed Gases Assoc. LPG Safety Assoc. FPA and ECSA
Email: enquiries@houseofgas.co.za Tel: 0861 427 786 Unit D11 & 12, Prospur Park, North Rand Rd,Boksburg www.houseofgas.co.za
Email: enquiries@gas andeng.co.za Tel: (011) 316 6857 Fax: (011) 316 6669 www.gasandeng.co.za
here is hint of glitz to this home, with its metallic mosaics in the washrooms and almost sixties-shaped light fittings made from natural products.
T
The first part of the lower floor is dedicated to the businessman's needs. Access can be gained directly from the double garage or through the front door. To one side, there is a study leading onto a secluded patio and a guest cloakroom. On the other side, there is a guest bedroom that has the quirky inclusion of the shower and toilet cubicle leading directly off the bedroom on each side of the wash basin vanity/dressing table. The stairway to the upper, more private family bedrooms slices through the entrance - perfect for teenagers who can't be bothered with ceremony.
311
schrรถder a
r
c
h
i
t
e
c
t
u
r
e
Accredited architect for Serengeti Estate Morne Schrรถder Tel & Fax: 011 640 1161 Cell: 082 225 3461 Email: morneschroeder@gmail.com
oving further into the house to the lower, more family-oriented living areas, you pass a wine cellar and a bar that has a glimpse of the dining room (rather than a hatchway). The entire south wall of the house can be peeled back so that the lounge, dining room, kitchen and family room are exposed to the outdoors. The central patio has a traditional built-in braai and on the other side of a stone wall, there's a boma with a fire pit in the centre.
M
The scullery has been designed with one long counter and double access points to the kitchen so that caterers can cope with large gatherings without the open plan kitchen looking disheveled. There is a permanent space for the ironing board and laundry racks - a feature that is often completely forgotten in contemporary house configurations.
313
Office: (011) 440-0630 Fax: (011) 440-0628 Email: enquiries@mabatishutters.co.za www.americanshutters.co.za
Office: (011) 440-0630 Fax: (011) 440-0628 Email: enquiries@mabatishutters.co.za www.flyscreensupreme.co.za
he food preparation island doubles as a 'bar', making this a really sociable space and the open-plan configuration with the family room makes this is an excellent space where the kids can relax while mum (and her friends) have fun in the kitchen. Outside the 'service entrance' there is enough covered space to store recycling bins for glass, plastic and paper.
T
Upstairs, on the landing, bookshelves and a strategically-positioned easy chair and ottoman make use of an otherwise dead space - and to protect the family's confidential documents and precious assets, there is a hidden walk-in safe behind one of the walls of books. The main bedroom in the west wing has an unconventional bathing configuration, with the bath positioned close to the foot of the bed.
315
Together satisfying customer demand for sustainable growth and development.
Residential and Commercial Developments Reyner 072 791 0202 0861 739 637 E-Mail: reyner@emerald.za.org
EMERALD SKY Property Developments
EAST RAND POOLS Richard 082 969 2112 richard@eastrandpools.co.za Justin 082 324 4386 justin@eastrandpools.co.za 10 First Street, Geduld, Springs Fax: 086 509 0881
separate shower cubicle, with a full length glass wall and separate toilet cubicle step out directly into the bedroom, opposite his and hers basins set into a natural timber vanity unit.
A
An integral part of the flow, his and hers walk-in cupboards are large enough for winter and summer clothing to be stored separately and shoe racks provide plenty of space for fashion, leisure and sports shoes. The teenage bedrooms share an interleading bathroom, but again private space is catered for with separate basins and titivating areas. The 'passage' feels more like a walkway, with glass doors opening to a balcony that has magnificent views of the golf course. Throughout the house, pictures and accessories echo the call of Africa, while the play of natural light during the day and dappled artificial light at night bring out the character of the textures and the finishes.
317
Pyjama Lounge for the kids esigned by brother and sister team, Johan Breytenbach and Suzette Fourie Hammer of SBE Architects, House No.38 does not look compact, although it is the smallest double storey of the show house collection.
D
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that this north-entry house is relatively close to the street proved challenging because the living areas need to face north to take advantage of the sunlight. To comply with the estate regulations of not having boundary walls, we had to be very creative to ensure privacy, especially around the swimming pool,â&#x20AC;? says Suzette Fourie Hammer, CEO of SBE Architects.
319
aving raised four of her own children, Fourie Hammer is well equipped to help clients plan a home that will feel comfortable through all the stages of their family's growth and development. This planning for the future, so that clients never feel the need to upgrade or move, is part of the firm's strategic thinking.
H
“Johan and I prefer to use classic lines, so that the house doesn't date,” she says. “We try to achieve a cosiness and give each house that we design its own soul. We never put our own signature on the design - each house is designed around our clients and their own specific lifestyle.” For House No.38, glass was used in a number of ways - from glass walls, to stairway and balcony balustrades and skylights - to ensure transparency and openness.
321
he double volume entrance and side atrium with their flow of water running through them, impart the feeling of being in a mediation zone. Adding just a touch of cheeky modernism to this classy interior, the kitchen breakfast bar has been made with an overlay of two different colours of glass to achieve a teal blue that is mirrored by the blue of the occasional lounge chairs.
T
There is a distinct indoor/outdoor feel to the living areas on the lower level, while on the upper level, the pyjama lounge is private enough for the teenagers to feel comfortable, without being completely shut off from the rest of the home. The guest suite downstairs doubles as a study with its own private deck, while upstairs, there are three en-suite bedrooms, with views of the golf course.
323
oted the most beautiful bathroom in the show village, the master bathroom has his and hers basins as well as his and hers showers and a freestanding bath laid out within the context of a dressing room. Plantation shutters between the bedroom and bathroom keep the openness, while still achieving a measure of privacy.
V
Out in the garden, the swimming pool, surrounded by maintenance-free synthetic wooden decking, is buffered from the street by a fire pit with built-in seating. “We always make sure that we stay within budget and for this house, we made sure that there was no wasted space,” says Fourie Hammer. “So far, we have done about 80% of the houses on the estate and we pride ourselves in being the only architects at Serengeti that are founder members as well. We are such fans of the lifestyle planned for the estate that we have also bought stands and we look forward to becoming residents at Serengeti in the very near future.”
325
Unified Vision nderstanding that demanding careers and concerns over the safety of one's family are cause for a lot of stress in this country, the developers have tried to provide a complete solution, adding a fibre optic network for internet, broadband connectivity and even videos-on-demand as part of the offering.
U
There is state-of-the-art security and the internal roads are all tarred, with clear signage, verges, landscaped islands and traffic circles to control the flow of vehicles within the estate. Street lighting has also been provided, so this has indeed been developed along the lines of another full suburb, particularly as far as the infrastructure is concerned.
326
n addition to full title stands, with a minimum size of 1000 sq metres each, there are a number of eco lodges and themed villages that will offer a new standard of upmarket, village-style living.
I
With a design vision that embraces the spirit of Africa, with its sense of wide open spaces, relaxed and secure lifestyle and the convenience and easy access to the airport and the business districts of Johannesburg, Centurion and Pretoria, Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate is destined to become one of the most popular family estates in Gauteng.
329
T: 012 807 1955 F: 086 663 6762 C: 083 682 0992 Marinus Schoeman (director) marinus@formacon.co.za PO Box 71647 The Willows 0041 www.formacon.com
At Serengeti we've been priviledged to be a part of the team to construct this state of the art development. Infrastructure buildings that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve completed includes Northern and Southern Gatehouses, Security Complex, Golf Shelters, Show houses and the Golf Club House. Our formwork solutions, quality and efficiency is our pride!