Welcome, and thanks for taking the time to read our architecture blog.
Learn more about, Why you need an architect, Why plans are important, Sustainability, Statutory Requirements, Energy Saving, Rain Water Harvesting, Hot Water Generation and a host of other informative topics.
So here is the disclaimer… We are only architects and not scientists. We hope the info is beneficial. If we have gotten something heinously wrong, please feel free to drop us a line and let us know!
Why North?
ORIENTATION EXPLAINED, AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO YOUThe sun can be both friend and foe. As Architects, it is our responsibility to use it wisely, but our methods can seem quite random when it...
Why do I need an Architect?
Why do I need an Architect? The most common misconception is that Architects only draw up plans and that their service costs a fortune. BUT this is not the case, especially when you look at all the...
What do the rules say I can build? – Statutory requirements and town planning jargon explained
You've just started planning your new build or renovation and come across the term "statutory requirements"... huh? This may seem like Greek at first, but don't stress! This blog will help you in...
Want to harvest rainwater? The ‘How to’ guide
HARVEST RAINWATER To say rainwater harvesting is a hot topic is an understatement… South Africa is an arid country and our water resources are not well managed. Capetonians have recently had to make...
Heatwave got you boiling? – Aircon vs Evaporative cooling
Aircon vs Evaporative Cooling. A comparison. While cooling has not always been considered in the South African context, it’s becoming increasingly important as the earth heats up and we experience...
No Plans Now What??
No Plans now what?? You discover that there are no plans of the existing buildings, buildings in progress or alterations on a property you’ve just purchased...they’ve gone into the dreaded ‘file...
Finally in hot water again!
In Hot water again! Finally my Hot Water Conclusion… This architect’s conclusion for conditions in South Africa is that a combination of systems seems to be the most sustainable option. My...
Electric Water Heating
Yes really…still Electric Water Heating While electrical resistance heating can no longer provide the bulk of your hot water it can be used to supplement supply in areas that are not used...
In Hot water again? What about gas geysers?
GAS Why gas geysers? To avoid warm water growing stuff in it, it needs to be kept at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, which is why geysers use so much energy. A gas geyser does away with the...
Still in hot water? What’s a heat pump?
What's a Heat Pump? An explanation Heat pumps work in a similar way to an indirect solar system in that they heat glycol that heats more efficiently and that heats the water. A heat pump uses heat...
No hot water? Why you should consider solar water heating
This architect's summary on solar water heating Solar Water Heating. How does it work? In short, heat is collected by means of liquid being pumped through panels (collectors) that are exposed to...