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KENT ROAD RENO

2021, Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa
Area: 993m²
Project Team: Nadine Clarke, Rory David

The Kent Road Reno project was a comprehensive transformation of an existing modernist home in the heart of Johannesburg. Nestled on a large stand with a lush, established garden, the property offered both potential and challenges. The renovation has resulted in a home that honours its original modernist design while offering contemporary comforts and expansive spaces for entertaining, all perfectly set within the surrounding greenery.

Revisiting a Valued Partnership – The Client’s Vision for Kent Road Reno

Our relationship with the client began before Kent Road Reno. Having successfully renovated their previous home, they approached us again when they discovered a new property, a fixer-upper with a large stand and a magnificent garden. Before committing, they wanted our honest assessment of whether the property could be transformed into the home they envisioned.

What we found was an architectural treasure, a mid-century modernist gem with a strong design language, but one that needed considerable rethinking and restoration to meet today’s living standards. The home’s clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and connection to the outdoors provided an excellent foundation for a sensitive yet ambitious renovation.

With a clear brief and the client’s trust in our creative process, we set out to retain and restore the home’s original modernist character while reshaping it to better suit their lifestyle. The result is a seamless blend of original charm and new additions that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

Design Response – Turning Vision into Reality, Reconfiguring the Existing Structure

The renovation began with a careful reworking of the existing main house. While the original structural shell was preserved, the internal layout was reconfigured to improve flow, light, and usability. To accommodate the client’s needs, we added new wings to the east and west, creating an undulating, linear layout that now faces north, a decision that not only maximises natural light but also enhances the home’s connection to the surrounding garden. 

A New Arrival Experience

The journey into the home now begins with a newly built guardhouse and porte-cochere. These additions set a welcoming tone while providing functional entry and security. Guests step into an extra-height lobby, a transitional space that serves as the physical and visual link between old and new elements. 

Expanding the Living Spaces at Kent Road Reno, Integrating New and Existing Areas

From the lobby, movement flows naturally into the new kitchen, TV lounge, and playroom, all of which are positioned to connect with the garden and each other. These more casual, family-oriented spaces are linked to the formal dining room and lounge, located in the reconfigured original living areas. 

A generous new patio bridges the TV lounge and formal reception rooms, allowing every reception space to open up to the outdoors. This emphasis on indoor-outdoor connection was central to the design, ensuring that the home’s garden remains an ever-present backdrop to daily living and entertaining. 

The Pool and Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion

One of the most striking outdoor features is the reimagined pool area. Instead of removing the existing 1970s pool, we designed a smaller, square pool within its footprint. This design choice provided a more efficient and contemporary pool space.

Generous, pavilion-style stairs step down from the living spaces to the pool, reinforcing the home’s connection to the garden. Adjacent to the pool, a new pool house was built, offering a catering kitchen, lounge, and an additional guest suite, ideal for hosting visitors or extended family.

Bedroom Wing Transformation and Private Retreats, Reworking the Existing Wing

The original bedroom wing was extensively reconfigured. It now accommodates a home study and two en-suite bedrooms, offering both privacy and convenience. Each room benefits from improved layout and orientation, creating light-filled spaces that remain comfortably private. 

The New Master Suite

To the west, a new master suite was added, set apart from the other bedrooms by a small landscaped courtyard. This thoughtful separation provides both privacy and a serene garden outlook. The master suite includes a luggage store, a walk-in dressing room, and an en-suite bathroom while a comfortable private lounge completes this secluded retreat. 

Guest Accommodation

Above the new kitchen, a first-floor addition houses a hotel-style guest suite. This space offers not only privacy but also sweeping views over the garden from its generous balcony, a perfect vantage point for appreciating the home’s natural surroundings. 

Supporting Spaces and Practical Solutions

Staff accommodation is discreetly positioned behind the new double garage, ensuring privacy for both staff and residents. 

The original carport was removed and replaced with a landscaped courtyard adjacent to the main lobby. This courtyard serves multiple purposes: it enhances the arrival experience, creates a green outlook for the new home office (formerly the kitchen), and provides a quiet outdoor space, and connection to the garden.  

Sustainability at the Heart of Kent Road Reno, Reuse and Passive Design Principles

From the outset, our goal was to retain as much of the original structure as possible. This not only preserved the home’s architectural heritage but also aligned with our commitment to sustainable building practices. We successfully reused 90% of the existing building shell. 

New additions were carefully orientated to maximise natural light, reduce heat gain, and support passive ventilation. The building envelope was upgraded with high-quality insulation, while new double-glazed windows were installed throughout to improve thermal performance and meet regulatory standards. 

Energy Efficiency Measures

To further reduce reliance on the grid, Kent Road Reno will feature a solar photovoltaic (PV) array to generate electricity. Hot water needs will be met by a hybrid system of gas and solar geysers, a reliable and efficient solution for a home of this size and function. 

A Modern Villa with Deep Roots

Kent Road Reno represents more than just a renovation; it is a respectful reinvention. By preserving the essence of the original modernist design and integrating thoughtful, contemporary interventions, the property has been transformed into a modern villa that will serve its owners for decades to come. 

We are proud of how this project balances heritage and innovation, functionality and beauty, sustainability and comfort. Most importantly, it is a home that reflects the personalities and needs of its owners while staying true to its architectural roots. 

Ready to Begin Your Own Renovation Journey?

If Kent Road Reno has sparked ideas for your own project, we’d be happy to discuss how we can work with you to bring your vision to life. Whether you are preserving a heritage property or modernising an existing home, our approach combines design expertise, technical precision, and a deep respect for your lifestyle and requirements. 

Contact us today to start the conversation:
Nadine: 082 809 1970
Studio: 011 025 8318
Email: info@meik.co.za