house RGH
johannesburg, gauteng
2006
This private residence in Parkhurst, set in a breathtaking site adjacent to the Braamfontein Spruit, is a renovation of an existing house. The brief from the client was to redesign the living spaces and create more private bedrooms.
The solution was a more radical approach – one where the kitchen served as the pivotal space which integrated the public spaces. The kitchen can be conceived as a dual functioning centre or "heart" of the house. The kitchen operates, first, with direct connection to the family room where users can watch television, and the children can play. The second function of the kitchen is to operate as an extension of the entertaining spaces, integrating with the dining room and lounge.
The lounge became a focal point because of the beautiful views onto the Spruit. Large, sliding doors were incorporated, bringing the garden and spruit into the house. New epoxy floors were added throughout and purpose made built-in cabinets were installed. There was also a new clerestory glazing installed which runs the length of the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas which serves to bring additional natural light into the spaces.