This project was an alteration and addition to a heritage Cape Dutch style house on the Westcliff ridge. Sensitivity to the heritage of the existing house and the area was a major consideration in the design concept. The additions and alterations have been designed to be very modern and aesthetically distinct from the existing house, in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the existing house. While the existing house has remained white, in keeping with the Cape Dutch style, the additions are black in order to visually blend into the ridge when viewed from a distance, while contrasting with the existing architecture.
The existing house was opened up inside and converted into a light, bright living area, with expansive frameless glass folding stacking doors on the north side. Below this, a new level which houses the bedrooms and a gym has been added. The roof of the bedroom level has been planted with grass in order to serve as an expansive, level lawn leading off from the living area. A new covered patio area has been built at the end of the lawn, and a rim flow pool has been built at the northern edge of the lawn, overlooking the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. The lawn is surrounded by frameless glass balustrades in order to optimise the view from the living area.
The front of the bedroom level structure is stepped in plan so that each room has glass sliding doors on the north and west sides. When these floor to ceiling glass doors are slid open, the north west corner of the room is completely open, allowing for uninterrupted views. All of the rooms open out onto a timber deck with frameless glass balustrades, and aluminium louvers above, which have been designed to shade the glass in order to prevent solar heat gain in summer, and admit sunlight into the rooms in winter. The decks are framed by a visually light steel structure, with steel columns at the corners which drop into the ridge as stilts. This, and the light, transparent structure, gives the visual impression that the bedroom level is floating above the ridge, or 'touching the earth lightly'.
This project was an alteration and addition to a house in Houghton designed by Bauhaus architect Douglass Cowin in the 1930's. It is a dramatic example of the Modern movement at the time, and is situated in one of Johannesburg's oldest suburbs.
Daffonchio was tasked with enlarging the house whilst maintaining its integrity, simplicity and functionality. As much as the old house as possible has been retained, and mirrored in the additions. Original elements such as sliding doors, door handles, fireplaces and the red steel pipe on the exterior balcony have been retained.
The house is experienced as a narrative, where it is seen as a sequence of spaces and experiences, thereby threading a story that can also be read in several different directions.
As you arrive, you are greeted by a solid, heavy facade, which is closed and intimidating. As soon as you step inside, the soaring staircase offers an uplifting contrast. The long passage, with a window and the garden at the end, draws you into the cool and calm living areas. From the dining room, a large square window looks out onto an illuminated sheet of water, the pool, to dramatic effect. The new lounge, surrounded by nature and uplifted with light and music, is the most calming room in the house. The new lounge is surrounded by sliding glass doors, with timber louvers which allow maximum sun in winter and minimal sun in summer.
Inside, the owners have kept furniture simple, with a focus on collectable modern art and furniture pieces true to the Modern era and in keeping with the Bauhaus style. The palette is a cool black and white, with parquet flooring stained black to pick up on the original black steel window frames.
Arts on Main is a mixed-use development which is targeted at Johannesburg’s creative community. It is situated on the eastern end of the Jo’burg CBD and was the start of the establishment of the Maboneng precinct by visionary developer Jonathan Liebmann.
Arts on Main consists of various old, previously dilapidated buildings which have been connected, restored and converted from light industrial to a variety of work, exhibition and recreational spaces for creatives.
The intention of the architectural design was to honour the history and heritage of the original buildings as much as possible by preserving their original architectural character and features, as well as retaining old machinery which bears testament to the buildings’ industrial origins. The architectural additions draw on the industrial language in terms of design and materiality, whilst maintaining a lightness which sets them apart from the original structure. Certain design elements, such as the steel staircase and tower in the garden, act as metaphors for both Johannesburg’s history and its future.
The main entrance on Fox Street draws you into a garden, the first of a series of public areas around which the individual spaces are centered. The garden forms the main public focus of Arts on Main, with the restaurant and its rooftop bar and various retail and gallery spaces leading onto or overlooking it. The design of the sculptural staircase leading up to the first floor of the original Corlett Construction building alludes to the mining shafts and hence the establishment of Johannesburg. The viewing tower at the top of the staircase frames views of the Hilbrow tower to the north, cars on the highway to the west, and the ‘Main Street Life' sign to the east. The viewing tower acts as a beacon that is visible from the highway, and symbolizes the connection between Arts on Main and the city, and the role of Arts on Main as a catalyst for inner city rejuvenation.
The light roof over the atrium in the south western area of the development allows for natural light and ventilation for the atrium and its surrounding spaces, while acting as a reflective surface for up-lights at night, which reinforces its floating quality. Like all the other public spaces in Arts on Main, the atrium has been designed to act as a platform for art exhibitions and events.
2010 Halala Joburg Award
Project Team: Enrico Daffonchio & Frances Rogers
