red house, vaal river
Two red canoes on the rivers’ edge. A weekend retreat one hour outside of Johannesburg on the banks of the Vaal river. The building reflects the typical rural farm architecture in the area, simple low pitched red corrugated iron roof barns with red oxide steelwork. Low maintenance finishes and basic built-in fittings were essential, the local red mud and cement mixture was applied to the walls, and old fashioned red floor polish on cement floors reminds of the local vernacular African mud huts.
Privacy and river views determined the position of the buildings in their indigenous setting, the only intervention by man - the lawned terrace for the children. entertaining takes place in the southern block, with one space leading onto a terrace overlooking the farm dam-pool and river; The opposite side leads onto the courtyard with the games room beyond. The bedroom block, the sanctuary to retreat to, consists of 4 suites, each with its own unique views and courtyards. A house for weekend relaxing.
2004 : City Scape Architectural review award
2005 : Award of Merit - The South African Institute of Architects
