Web Ref No SIR109430

The Strand is by no means a cosmopolitan city, neither is it a hub of industrial activity. No longer is it a popular, sought-after holiday resort. It might still be a place to retire, but only up to a point where people can take care of themselves until they need to relocate to retirement villages which also offer medical care facilities.

It is therefore important that a residential establishment will allow its owners to enjoy a comfortable, pleasant and safe habitation which will comply with the requirements and needs of the owners, whether working from home where they have made the transition to remote work and run a hybrid office, or enjoy the comforts of family life.

On offer is a much admired, exquisitely renovated historical residential property, dating from the post-war years of the previous century. Not only does it meet the current, but also future urban challenges. The architects’ brief was to renovate and extend a house built with respect to the design ethos of the time and to also add two en-suite bedrooms, an informal lounge and dining room at the rear of the existing property. The art deco elements of the original building were to be maintained and had to blend seamlessly with the new contemporary additions which were characterised by a strong horizontal link between the existing house and the surrounding garden setting. The use of long lines and balanced proportions reflect the challenges of contemporary living. The synergy between the old and the new is endorsed by means of the colour white used throughout the house, coupled with black aluminium sliding doors and windows, which were designed to facilitate a flow of movement to the outdoors.

As a result, the unrestricted boundaries between indoor and outdoor living make it easy for users to move comfortably between the two. The new spaces added to the existing house are witness to an innovative, shared living, dining and kitchen area, which also reflect the quality of life and aspirations of the residents.

The newly renovated property now houses 3 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a study. The first bedroom, situated at the rear of the house, offers absolute privacy. The stand-out detail of the kitchen is the faux white with black vein-patterned marble counter tops which carry a sense of sophistication and timeless elegance in contrast to the existing wooden flooring which adds a wonderful warm feeling. The floors of the newly-added rooms are covered with polished granite screed, whereas the original wooden floors of the original homestead were maintained.

The interior lighting of the house is of great significance. During the day natural daylight allows the house to stand out with the beauty of its lines, materials, and daily activities. Artificial light at night brings depth to the various architectural spaces and enhances the intimacy and warmth of the various areas. Instead of using a single ceiling light, the designers employed multiple light sources distributed throughout the rooms.

The living space includes a formal as well as an informal lounge. The four sliding doors, made to specifications, of the dining room open to the secluded garden and the proposed pool area behind the house. The study provides suitable office space if working from home.

The four original pillars of the front veranda were built to simulate the ancient, rammed earth technique, and still adds to the timeless appeal of this once modest property. The old and the new together contribute to the overall narrative of a space, telling a story of time and history.