+27828091970

VISENTIN RESIDENCE

A modern Stoep style, family home designed around a private central courtyard for zen living, in a Johannesburg Estate

2020, Neighbourhood Estate, Linksfield, Johannesburg, South Africa
Area: 329m²
Project Team: Nadine Clarke, Michelle Smith, Rory David

RENDERS
Visentin Residence Floor Plan

The Clients Dream

Purchased as a forever home opportunity for a young family, this zen inspired residence is set within a densely planted suburban estate. Driven by the desire to escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg the clients dreamed of an inward-facing courtyard house offering a zen courtyard with maximum privacy.

 

The Dream Actualsed (Design Response)

Following estate guidelines, large overhanging eaves and hipped roofs cover a doughnut-shaped plan on a compact stand, with a central courtyard removed from the public eye.

Optimal orientation in design response is achieved through the placement of main living spaces to the south of the doughnut so that they face north. Bedrooms are located to the north and east while the garage and home office are located on the west side.

All spaces open onto the central courtyard, containing a compact pool covered by a retractable deck, ensuring year-round functionality. Sliding timber screens add to the zen aesthetic, allowing for an inside-outside relationship whilst maintaining privacy, further bolstered by dense bamboo hedges placed along the perimeter of the property.

We love this design as it pushes for central privacy over the traditional open courtyard response, resulting in a secluded home with a focus on family and connection to garden space.

 

Is this Zen House Sustainable?

As per our design ethos, orientation is always optimised and the courtyard allows all the inhabitable spaces to face north or east. The courtyard also allows for great cross-ventilation of spaces. Sliding shutters on exterior windows act as an additional insulating layer when closed. In addition, deep eave overhangs provide shading in the warm summer months.

Beyond passive design, hot water is produced by a combination of gas and solar.

 

Looking for Your Zen Home?

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.  Let’s see how we can help you achieve your zen home!

Nadine: 082 809 1970 || Studio: 011 025 8318 || info@meik.co.za