Date: 2019-2023

Size: 340m2

Type: Holiday House

Location: Brenton on Sea, Western Cape , South Africa

Photography: Basil Koufos

 

This unconventional family holiday home gently rises above the crescent curve of Buffalo Bay, in the settlement and seaside resort of Brenton-on-Sea, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, offers the sophistication of urban entertainment in a rustic coastal setting.

 

SITE

The architect, Emilio Eftychis, following his design motto of landscape informing design, was instrumental in choosing the unique site for its orientation in relation to the exquisite views of the ocean and the long stretch of white sandy beach that frames the fynbos-rich slope below the structure. The careful selection of the topography in terms of site contours, drainage, vegetation and the water body played an important role in the location.Despite the traditional preference for timber construction in the area, Eftychis opted for off-shutter concrete for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements, a decision that underscores the home's commitment to longevity and sustainability.The use of concrete extends beyond mere structural support, serving as an architectural skin that defines the home's aesthetic identity. Sandblasted timber pine shuttering adds warmth and texture to the concrete surfaces, paying homage to the region's architectural heritage.The grey tones of the concrete in its natural state and other pigmentations alternatively echo the silvery shades of the waves that wash ashore and the hues of the seascape beyond. The play of light during the day and night brings the historically categorised brutal aggregate to life

 

Upper level

In optimising the uninterrupted views, the deliberate decision was made to invert the conventional approach of situating the bedrooms on the top level with the recreational areas on the ground floor. The upper level of this home houses the most important lived-in areas that a holiday home could offer. The open-plan kitchen with its concrete island, dining room and central concrete dining table, and the living area, featuring a double-sided built-in concrete sofa facing both the view and the integrated hearth, lead out onto the balcony and covered patio. To offer shelter against the natural elements on the site such as the wind and sun, slatted wooden shutters are drawn across the double-glazed picture windows. A unique feature of the patio is an elevated longitudinal swimming pool with a glass front, offering an unparalleled swimming experience that connects bathers with the surrounding sky and landscape.The patio is not only a barbecue area, it includes an elevated longitudinal swimming pool with a glass front. The tapered wall parallel to the pool allows privacy from the street and a balustrade when stepping into the pool. An aperture in the slab above opens the pool to the sky. Feeling of swimming outside. Above the garage adjacent to the living room, a visually connected “boma” separated by a concrete wall with subtractive forms, opening views to the sky above and eye level views to the boma. The Boma is strategically placed in the more sheltered part of the house for those windy days. In-built outdoor furniture carefully placed for a true outdoor fire and braai experience. On the same level, a room flanked by cantilevered bunk beds, is tucked away behind the tv room to accommodate the children or more guests.

 

Ground level

The ground level leads from the entrance foyer to the stairwell and circulation corridor which runs along a central axis to be utilised from all parts of the house. The ensuite bedrooms hover above the canopy of trees beyond and have a unique view of the natural habitat of the area: the foliage of the trees allow privacy in the floor to ceiling glazed bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. Protruding concrete fins pronounce separation between the bedrooms, provide shading from summer glare as well as privacy from the street and adjacent buildings.

 

Lower level

Below the ground floor, unexpected voids created during excavation have been repurposed as functional spaces, including a storeroom, boiler room, and gym, further maximizing the utility of the home's footprint.

 

In summary, this holiday home exemplifies the perfect marriage of form and function, seamlessly integrating modern design principles with the timeless beauty of its coastal surroundings.