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...
Statutory Requirements : 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...
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 additional services...
Rainwater Harvesting – The ‘How to’ Guide
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 do with 55 litres...
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 heat waves and extreme weather...
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 13’, NOW WHAT?! WE WANT...
Hot Water Conclusion
and finally my conclusion… This architect’s conclusion for conditions in South Africa is that a combination of systems seems to be the most sustainable option. My personal preference, layout and...
Electric Water Heating
Yes really…still 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 often, or where smaller...
Gas Geysers
GAS Why gas? 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 need for a...
Heat Pumps
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 from the atmosphere...
Solar Water Heating
This architects summary on solar How does it work? In short, heat is collected by means of liquid being pumped through panels (collectors) that are exposed to sunlight or UV. Heated water is stored...