House J Simonstown

Simon's Town

2007

Typology
Houses
Landscapes
Heritage
Furniture
Built
Programme
Residential
City
Simon's Town
Country
South Africa
Status
Completed
Awards
Award of Merit
SAIA
CIFA
WAN Award
World Architecture News
This house, in a Simonstown conservation area, is a subversion of the oppressive town planning laws requiring faux Victoriana. While rebelling, the architects succeed in creating a place whose architecture integrates perfectly into its community.
The plan is structured by a movement route of very cleverly designed ramps and stairs to the front door, thereby experiencing a variety of changing views of ocean, town and house before moving inside. The rooms are quiet and understated, designed to direct one's vision towards the view. The house itself is arranged as a series of small, sparkling white buildings on the slope, recalling the massing and proportions of old Simonstown. Each element is perfectly conceived.The designer's skill and deep understanding of site, prospect and context make this house a worthy recipient of an Award of Merit.
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