SPECIAL SECTION: ARCHITECTS
THE ART OF BUILDING DESIGN
WE BRING YOU THE ARCHITECTS WHO TURN ORDINARY BUILDINGS INTO EXTRAORDINARY HOMES
THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Donovan Gottsmann from Gottsmann Architects.
THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Johan Breytenbach, Suzette Hammer, Nick Karandreas from SBE Africa Exclusive Architects.
FRONT ROW (from left): Qefate Lerotholi from Think Design Studio, Johann Koch from JK Designs, Mutombo Kitenge from Top Centre Properties Group.
FRONT ROW (from left): Duif Joubert from SG Studio Architects, Engela de Beer from Eva Architects, Stephan Benadé from Stephan Benadé Architects.
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SBE Africa Exclusive Architects
One of South Africa’s top five architectural firms specialising in exclusive and high-end residential properties
“We design houses for people who think ahead and understand that the value of the house is as important as the value of the budget.”
JOHAN BREYTENBACH SUZETTE HAMMER NICK KARANDREAS DIRECTORS
SBE Africa Architects was founded and is driven by the dynamic brother and sister team of Johan Breytenbach and Suzette Hammer, managed together with Nick Karandreas. Based in Sandton, SBE Africa has a firm footprint locally and internationally. With a passion for designing upmarket homes, SBE Africa prides itself on offering its clients a personalised service, project management and aftersales support.
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ow has your design philosophy evolved over the years? For the last 35 years, we have seen and designed according to various architectural trends – think Tuscan, modern farmhouse, industrial chic, and so on. We’ve always adapted and met our clients’ briefs with these trends. We believe that if you don’t adapt to the new South African style, you will be left behind. What makes SBE Africa’s service stand out? We pride ourselves on being good listeners. We design houses for people who think ahead and understand that the value of the house is as important as the value of the budget. When we see our clients, it’s important for us to not only take notes, but also start sketching, and we always have the information ready when the client comes for the first meeting. We are always available to our clients, and the client will, at all times, see the major partners in the company as well as the people performing the after-sales service and the project management. What advice do you give clients looking to build their dream home? With our experience, we always reassure our clients that we will not only take care of cosy living, but also create a lifestyle home that will cater
for their families. This is why it’s important that they give the architect every detail of how the family lives. For SBE Africa, it isn’t to create a monument for our company, but rather to develop a family home for the client. What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Ensure the architect is listening very carefully to your needs. There is no use seeing an architect who will just create another masterpiece to take all the credit for the design. The architect must listen to the client explain their family needs, especially in a growing family that will live there for the next 20 years. The client must feel at ease with the architect and comfortable to make changes, and the architect must be available to make changes and attend meetings. What does sustainable architecture mean to SBE Africa? It means finding a comprehensive energy-efficiency solution; we try to take the house off the grid as much as possible with the least cost to the client. We only use specialists and surround ourselves with only the best. We incorporate solar energy on the roof, battery backup systems, greywater systems and water tanks for reserves, which we strategically place in the basement of a home design. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? We see secure estate living
becoming more of a reality. In terms of design, South Africans are favouring luxe living and contemporary designs. Also, there’s a greater focus on solar energy and water preservation, with these aspects being built into the design of new homes. Good architectural design … speaks for itself. Architecture can only be defined as good when clients know they made a good investment. Over the past few years, well-designed residential properties have given clients almost double their money back when they sell within five years. That’s an all-time record in our eyes and shows the result of good architecture. CONTACT 011 807 3442 Malcolm 082 445 1652 reception@sbeass.co.za www.sbearchitects.co.za JUNE 2022 113
Stephan Benadé Architects
A passionate architectural firm that strives to create functional architecture and beautiful spaces for everyday living
STEPHAN BENADÉ OWNER AND PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Stephan Benadé is a registered architect with 13 years’ technical, entrepreneurial and operational experience. He prides himself on providing versatile architectural solutions to diversified clients in the commercial, residential, institutional and industrial sectors. Believing in South Africa and its people, Benadé and his team ensure they serve and uplift their community.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? I have always had an appreciation for creating – having a vision and translating it into reality. As a child, I used to sketch houses and plans, build houses or apartment blocks with Lego and cities from big wooden blocks. I had a natural curiosity about how things work and how to arrange items to create my next “building design” – a curiosity that continues to this day. I was fascinated with construction sites and buildings and enjoyed witnessing what all the different tradesmen were doing. As I grew older, the appreciation of physical and Godly creation combined and the inspiration derived from it to sculpt the physical with the metaphysical landscape into a completely different reality, space, feeling or presence heightened.
How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I believe good design is grounded to the site; it is site-specific and works with the site conditions – the slope, ground formation, viewpoints, orientation of the building, wind, and whether it is urban, suburban or rural. Form follows function, however, it should not be an object claiming or dominating the space, but rather work with the site conditions and the neighbouring buildings, creating a homogenous balance and presence while still being a uniquely designed building. To me, all design is a reflection of the times, the people, the site or place, the heritage, the future and current happenings. Good architectural design should be be able to speak for itself. We must let it be open and honest in planning, in material and natural light, furniture, art, the expression of space within the overall design, understanding the client’s brief and interpreting their need of the space. Good architectural design is about understanding the site’s conditions and not dominating it or any surrounding spaces, but displaying sensitivity to space in terms of the physical and metaphysical. By combining all of these things, one achieves a symbiosis of design that applies to all shapes and sizes of design. What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Look at the architect’s portfolio to get a better look and feel of their approach to design and the various
designs, building types and styles done by the architect. This will lead to a better idea or understanding of the architect and how the client’s brief will be interpreted and executed. You entrust an architect with your dreams and the associated costs of turning that dream into a new house or building therefore there must be a connection, trust, respect and mutual understanding between architect and client. This ensures a lasting relationship and a project that turns dreams into reality. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? I think the architectural landscape in South Africa is quite diverse with plenty of international and local influence. I have noticed a broader understanding of our vernacular architecture, which is being more prominently put forward in a new interpretation or language. There is a lot of new residential developments or communities, smart homes and greater technological and material design, and a cleaner more refined and defined aesthetic. I believe a deeper consciousness will prevail in architecture.
CONTACT 074 507 7735 info@benadearchitect.com www.benadearchitect.com JUNE 2022 115
Gottsmann Architects A multidisciplinary architectural firm practising across several geographic regions
JK Designs Residential and commercial architects offering interior design and principal agent services
DONOVAN GOTTSMANN
JOHANN KOCH
DIRECTOR
FOUNDER AND PARTNER
As a specialist in innovative design solutions for the residential and hospitality industry, Donovan Gottsmann has worked on an array of projects across Southern Africa through to Zambia, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia.
JK Designs is an architectural firm and interior design studio that challenges the mundane and motivates emotive design through dedicated client relationships, harmonious integration of technologies and distinct, unique visions.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? My passion for innovation and design. As a child, I always wanted to create or invent something. I first chose engineering and mathematics at university, but quickly yearned for something more creative and artistic. A year into my studies, I switched to architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved over the years? Going on 15 years now, my design philosophy is to try to best understand the context and the environment in which we work. I have shifted to a “less is more” approach, looking towards efficient and sustainable design complemented by beautiful aesthetics that are free of clutter and pure in detail. Good architectural design is … inherent in the DNA of the design. It is like your favourite song, where all the elements come together in harmony. You know good design through your senses and user experience. Good design considers all built aspects, from spatial planning and light quality, sustainable design to product integration and the poetic aesthetics that convey themselves in a refined manner. Green design … can no longer be seen as a trend; it is an absolute necessity to design with sustainably as a key principle in mind. One must consider the impact the building has on its environment and the future we leave for those after us. In the South African context, it just makes sense to “go green” with the rising power and water cuts. But this is not applicable only to South Africa. With the population of almost every country rising, it makes sense that one has to
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W look at alternative methods to conserve water and energy. Furthermore, green architecture is not just about adding a few solar panels and a rainwater catchment tank, but also considers the siting of the building, the thermal insulation of the building envelope and the embodied energy in the building material to name a few. Green architecture is a philosophy of architecture that when practised considers all parts of the design, from the water conservation in taps through to the energy supply to homes.
CONTACT 011 979 7116 info@gottsmann.co.za www.gottsmann.co.za
hat inspired you to become an architect? Since a young age, I’ve loved the creation of beautiful spaces while having a deep appreciation for the field of psychology. While studying architecture, I realised the incredible link between the two disciplines, especially in residential architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I designed my first home during my studies in 2006 and have been involved in high-end residential architecture ever since. The biggest impact on my design philosophy has been the realisation that no one client is the same, and the design solution is never the same. The driving force behind the success of JK Designs is that we spend significant effort to understand lifestyle and personality and then design their home with emotions as the primary driver. What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Building a home is a long process. In most cases, you will be involved with your architect for the next two to three years. Find an architect who has the ability and experience, but also who you connect with on a personal level. What advice do you give clients who are looking to build their dream home? Get to know yourself and what you and your family love; not necessarily the design style and the materials in the home, but how you want to live. Where do you want to spend quality time with your family? Where do you want to have your space of
solitude? How do you entertain? etc. Having the perfect use of space goes a lot further than just a beautiful facade. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? South Africa’s architectural talent impresses me immensely, as does our client’s willingness to push the limits. When comparing our homes to the designs of many first world countries, I feel we are leaving them behind. The future is looking bright, and I’m excited to see what is to come.
CONTACT info@jkdesigns.co.za www.jkdesigns.co.za Instagram: @jkdesignssa JUNE 2022 117
SG Studio Architects An architecture practice that is deeply grounded in core design principles
Think Design Studio A creative design studio that aspires to create that which will inspire
DUIF JOUBERT FOUNDING DIRECTOR
QEFATE LEROTHOLI
In today’s fast-moving world, adaptability is key, so SG Studio Architects is always exploring alternatives in the architecture and design sphere. The team values quality above all else.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? Personal financing has always driven me, and at a point in my life, I identified property development as a key market into which to venture. I saw architecture as a vehicle that I could use to essentially develop my own property development portfolio and, in essence, become financially independent. However, architecture has brought me greater fulfilment than I anticipated. Together with my growing team, achieving each successfully completed
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
project and genuine client satisfaction all brought me pleasure; with time that pleasure transitioned into purpose. The journey architecture has taken me on has been a lifechanging experience that my earlier self could never have seen coming. Good architectural design is … providing something uniquely suited for the client and the site with the utmost quality of workmanship. No design follows the same procedure, therefore each design requires deep attention that never compromises on beauty and functionality. What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Look for an architect who is a combination of an excellent visionary and a problem-solver. Having these two personality traits in the team can prove to be invaluable. The success of the project lies in a team that can follow through to the end. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? It’s unique: it’s a blend of the world’s best inspirations. Because of our diverse cultures and climate, we tend to borrow the best from all styles of architecture across the world to create a truly unique mix that is proudly South African. We are blessed with amazing weather and fewer temperature fluctuations than other countries, therefore outdoor living areas play an important role in our culture and architectural designs. We anticipate exponential growth and an increase in global recognition. CONTACT 012 004 1467 hello@sgstudio.co.za www.sgstudio.co.za
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Think Design Studio comprises a diverse team of creatives, designers and architects, whose skill sets embody great knowledge in their respective fields. The firm prides itself on designing thoughtprovoking and visually engaging spaces.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? I am, by nature, a very curious person and acquired an interest in how things are conceptualised and developed. It all started at a young age at home when my father – a structural engineer – exposed me to the construction industry; my choice of architecture emanated from this. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I have been exposed to the industry for about 16 years. School and the various firms I worked at have contributed valuable tools to what I call my adaptive design philosophy. With my understanding of history and the modern world (including the fourth industrial revolution), I consciously adapt to new trends. In so doing, I maintain the valuable principles encrypted in the history of architecture. The recent global pandemic caused a huge mindset shift; a great void that forces us to think out of our comfort zones and come up with new and innovative ideas and solutions. Good architectural design … is a lot like clear thinking made visual – Edward Tufte. We believe that good design breeds positivity and good business, whereas bad design does the opposite. Good aesthetics and functionality together create an experience that echoes good design, and bad design reflects the opposite. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? Smart is the future of our local
homes. Adaptable, connected homes are here, but changes in scale and function will define the home of the (near) future. As lifestyles shift, layouts follow suit – a relevant hierarchy of space will take shape within the home. Efficiency will not only be found in the design of buildings, but also in the products used in the construction of those buildings.
CONTACT create@thinkdesignstudio.co.za www.thinkdesignstudio.co.za Instagram: @thinkdesignstudio JUNE 2022 119
Top Centre Properties Group
EVA Architects A woman-owned, full-service architectural firm
WE’RE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW & INNOVATIVE HOMES TO SHOWCASE
An avant-garde architecture and construction firm that aspires to be a leader in the industry
MUTOMBO KITENGE
ENGELA DE BEER OWNER AND FOUNDER
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
EVA Architects is a well-established, womanowned architectural studio dedicated to the concept that architecture is an environmentally respectful, socially responsible pursuit. Owner Engela de Beer is a registered architect committed to designing buildings of minimalist nature. She founded the firm in 2012.
Mutombo Kitenge’s aim is to ensure Top Centre Properties Group pushes the boundaries of contemporary African architecture, challenging the design and aesthetics while creating homes to suit clients’ unique personas. With a dynamic team, the company designs spaces that reflect a fine balance of aesthetics, functionality and technology.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? I always loved to draw, sketch and plan. In school, I used to draw my bedroom furniture to scale and rearrange it on paper, making sure that everything fitted and worked before starting any kind of big furniture moves. It was always part of my DNA – the desire to design and make things work practically. With a mechanical engineer as a dad and an artistic mother, I had no option. I inherited a good combination of both artistic and logical thinking. The act of liberating one’s imagined ideas by completing a design in reality is probably the most exhilarating experience in the world. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I have been in the industry for 12 years. During this time, I learned some important lessons. I believe that one must be ambitious, goal-oriented and confident in your ability as a designer. Also, the ability to learn from one’s mistakes, make an extended effort to constantly apply one’s skills and remain true to your values and philosophy in a transparent and honest way is my recipe for the best results. When I refer to the “best results”, I am really saying that there are many influences at play during the various stages of the architectural process. One needs to be continuously aware of and apply what remains in the best interests of the client and the project during all these stages to achieve the best results for that specific process. This is specifically true during contruction stage. I believe that making new discoveries along the way and applying the best of these makes me a dedicated architect, enables me to gain relevant skills and allows me to grow both professionally and personally.
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hat inspired you to become an architect? Architecture is all about the everyday living experience of the home, and for me, getting all the five senses to experience a designed space is the biggest driver and ignites my love for architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved over the years? I have been practising architecture for 13 years, and in this time, my design approach has evolved and continues to change with every new project I complete. However, the forms and shapes that I use in my design remain the basis and can easily be traced throughout my work. What advice do you have for home owners looking for an architect? Look for a designer who will create a space that speaks to you. From the way you live life to what makes your home feel like a home. The best architect is a professional who will make the home feel like you’ve designed it yourself and is exactly how you always dreamt it to be. How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? I predict that we will see a change in the way homes are seen and used by home owners. The world is changing towards a smart world, and our homes have to catch up technologically to the rest of the industries around us. As a result, our homes will be tech-smart. Green design is … all about taking nature and the state of what we find on-site into our design. Allowing passive design, visual comfort, landscaping, and careful use of materials to influence the design and establish a space that speaks to the environment.
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CONTACT 087 802 7863 info@tcpg.co.za Instagram: @tcpg_architects
CONTACT engela@eva-architects.co.za www.eva-architects.co.za Instagram: @evaarchitect
IS YOUR HOME AN SA HOME OWNER HOME? Send a picture of your home and your details to Marlize du Rand on durandm@ sahomeowner.co.za and we’ll take it from there. Or call Marlize on (011) 280 5730.
SPECIAL SECTION: INTERIOR DESIGN WOW The Design Triangle touches on the importance of combining the elements and principles of Emotional design with people’s wellbeing emotional and sensory needs and Individual touches including their preferences. Indulgence of the 5 senses
Inventing unique
SPACES
DESIGN BASICS Design elements Design principles Colour
s newly elected CEO of the IID (The African Institute of the Interior Design Professions), it is a privilege to share some ideas about creativity with fellow designers and readers. I am passionate about the impact of creativity on design and the importance of design in our everyday lives.
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become known as creative, logical problem-solvers and thinkers. We are able to balance the needs of form and functionality to create effective design solutions and spaces of beauty and integrity. Creativity is not a skill set; it’s a mindset, an orientation that resists habitual thinking and invites courageous exploration. I believe that one of the reasons we fail to make a good or creative decision is because we don’t allow ourselves the time to reflect on it. Our creativity grows stronger as we experience our creations becoming reality, resulting in unmatchable satisfaction and incentivising us to start the next project and create even more spaces of integrity and creative design. As an interior designer, I have realised that creative design is a well-planned process; for me, it’s three keywords: inspiration, formulation and implementation. I am inspired by many things, including nature, architecture, travel, fashion, people, art galleries, design shows and world events. The light, colours, shapes, lines, textures and patterns of these sources provide incredible and varied creative inspiration. Formulation and design involve researching, collecting information about the design problem, identifying design concepts and a general hypothesis, studying the context of the project, the landscape and environment, the local talent, factories and suppliers and spending time on-site with clients. Only then do I start the process of implementation or acting on my designs.
DESIGN IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Throughout the ages, people have wanted to create unique, personalised, inspirational, self-nurturing and rejuvenating spaces that invoke joy, counterbalance hectic lives, and encourage mindful living. Being immersed in a creative task positively influences us, providing a sense of achievement, accomplishment, and psychological wellbeing. Creativity lies within each person, paradoxical, constructive, courageous and perceptive; it can be inspired or suppressed. It is childlike, individual and universal, intellectual as well as artful, born of inspiration and made with determination. As understanding and knowledge of the creative process increase, we gain insight and confidence. We can create original, high-quality visual solutions and 122 JUNE 2022
Pictures: ©iStock.com
Creativity and design and the way forward by Dorothy van’t Riet, CEO of the IID
In today’s world, we see a variety of design choices and technological developments. I believe that amid all this technology, creative decision-making will remain the most fundamental tool for elevating the average into truly extraordinary designs. The pandemic has highlighted our need for safety and the need to be together; physically, mentally and emotionally. This in turn has led to collaborative thinking in business – a strategic and lucrative tool. Designers, architects and the design profession are now open to collaborating, rather than working in isolation. Each person is a specialist in their sphere of influence, collaborating with others who are specialists in their fields of design. The benefits for clients are enormous as the
end result is better – more layered and well-rounded. The positive effects of cross-pollination and crossbranding across the industry reinvigorate our brand, and present new opportunities and audiences.
DESIGN DRIVES POSITIVE CHANGE We need to think globally when acting locally. As designers, we also experience the paradigm shift between the digital revolution and the planet’s ecological wellbeing – a shift to designing for humanity and ecosystems rather than for individual people. We have also seen global communities working across borders to enhance and impact community projects. We note that design is a driver of positive change. We are all part of the same quest for creativity and positive change. On a personal level, I share my years of design experience and knowledge in the form of a series of masterclasses covering design basics, the design elements – the building blocks of design – and design principles – the criteria used to evaluate the successful use of the design elements. Combined, they lead to successful interior design. I think it is always important to design with a sound theoretical foundation and add in personal flair and client preferences to create a standout design. As fellow designers and readers, I urge and encourage you to actively search for and apply creativity in your lives and projects. Design is a truly noble profession.
PROMOTING THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY The IID is the only professional body representing the interior design industry in Southern Africa. It is dedicated to establishing, promoting and maintaining expertise, professionalism, sound business practice and high standards throughout the industry. As a professional design organisation, the IID provides guidelines and inspiration to its members on a wide range of topics, actively promoting the collaboration of like-minded professionals – a truly worthwhile investment. Membership of the IID indicates your status as a qualified, experienced and ethical practising professional. dorothy@dvr.co.za; www.dvr.co.za
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