CHHIKA RESIDENCE
A bespoke modern barn-style home designed around a garden courtyard set in a Johannesburg estate.
2019, Neighbourhood Estate, Linksfield, Johannesburg, South Africa
Area: 401m²
Project Team: Nadine Clarke, Deandra Farinha
The Clients Dream
Purchased for long term living, with elderly parents in mind, these first-time home builders required a single-story home that connected to the garden while offering spaces for multi generational living, all within the rules of a gated estate.
The Dream Actualised (Design Response)
This contemporary barn-style design pushes the boundaries of estate guidelines, bringing an industrial look to the traditional style. This is softened by the use of timber elements, whilst maintaining ease of use through single-story access.
A U-shaped plan consisting of multiple shed-like forms is utilised to provide privacy and optimise orientation, with the garden relationship being of importance.
Set back from the road, and clad in corrugated iron, the arrival ‘shed’ contains service spaces and a guest suite, designed to function as a bedroom suite for the couple’s elderly parents. Access is gained through a recessed doorway with an immediate view of the glass link, that connects this space to the living spaces.
The glass link floats above a pond and densely planted courtyard space, leading onto a large volume, open plan living/dining and kitchen space. This space makes use of a portal frame structure, enabling the complete opening of indoor space to an extended outdoor patio. Further garden connection is provided by full-height windows framing views of the internal courtyard.
Bedroom spaces, connected to the garden courtyard, are arranged away from the main entertainment spaces ensuring privacy, whilst maintaining optimal orientation. A boma, bordered by a large pool, extends the indoor-outdoor relationship of the master suite, providing additional gathering space linked to the patio whilst retaining a sense of privacy.
“But is it green”, you ask?
At Meik, we employ passive design principles alongside technology to create sustainable, thermally comfortable homes that function optimally. It’s a fundamental design principle within the practice.
In this home, the central courtyard allows optimal orientation.
Along with optimised orientation, insulation is key to reducing those heating and cooling bills and has a relatively low-cost point. This home features a well-insulated shell.
Hot water generation is through a combination of solar and gas geysers. We have blogs that explain our thoughts on hot water generation – here are some links: Blog – Gas Geysers and Blog – Solar Water Heating.
Can you see more?
Of course, you can! The clients have opted to make their build smooth and appointed Meik on site. Simply follow us on the socials for updates.
Thinking of moving to an Estate?
If you like what you see and hear and want to work with us on your home feel free to call or email us to set up an appointment to discuss your requirements, and how we can make your dream home come to life.
Nadine: 082 809 1970 || Studio: 011 025 8318 || info@meik.co.za