This Seaside Holiday Home in South Africa Is Built for the Ages

Its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces embraces the setting while bracing for weather, giving a couple and their family a place to escape for years to come.

Jun 24, 2022 - 19:17
This Seaside Holiday Home in South Africa Is Built for the Ages

Its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces embraces the setting while bracing for weather, giving a couple and their family a place to escape for years to come.

The holiday home is nestled into a narrow site in Buffalo Bay, a small beachside town near Buffelsbaai, with a Milkwood forest to the rear and the ocean to the front. The two living levels sit above a large garage/storage area on the lower ground floor and open completely out to the views.

Knowing a site often results in great architecture. So, when Daan and Engela Ferreira were ready to rebuild their family’s holiday home in Buffelsbaai on South Africa’s Western Cape—something that could accommodate more family and their life that awaited them as retirees—it helped that they were already very in tune with the property.

The holiday home is nestled into a narrow site in Buffalo Bay, a small beachside town near Buffelsbaai, with a Milkwood forest to the rear and the ocean to the front. The two living levels sit above a large garage/storage area on the lower ground floor and open completely out to the views.

Daan and Engela Ferreira’s holiday home is nestled into a narrow site overlooking the ocean. Stepped levels and a series of indoor/outdoor spaces give it a sculptural look. The lower ground floor consists of a garage and storage area, and above are living areas and bedrooms that open onto patios with views.

Photo by Bureaux

"They’ve spent many holidays in the original house over many years, previously with their parents and now with their children and children to follow," says architect Guillaume Pienaar, director at Pinard Architecture. "They knew exactly what they wanted."

Pienaar, too, was well acquainted with the area. "I've spent time at this beach surfing since childhood—and I love this street."

In years gone by, the street was lined with Milkwood trees, some of which still remain. The angled bay window was specifically designed to frame two ancient Milkwoods, which were sadly removed by neighbours despite many objections. It does, however, remain a cosy, sun-filled nook with 180-degree views.

The site is prone to strong winds that make outdoor living challenging. To address this, the architects split the front of the home into two parts: a veranda and an enclosed bay window. The bay window creates a cozy, sun-filled nook with 180-degree views that can be enjoyed throughout the year, even if the wind is howling.

Photo by Bureaux

The coastal site is situated between a milkwood forest to the west and ocean views to the east, but a public street and lawn encroached on its privacy. In addition, a prevailing southeasterly wind during the summer months made it difficult to enjoy being outside.

The interior offers plenty of casual spaces for family interactions, with every room connected to the site through view or sea breeze. A bright red fixed shutter on the exterior of the building helps protect the interior from the prevailing wind and adds a bright pop of colour to the otherwise natural tones of the interior; while timber panelling over the concrete in the living room adds texture and warmth.

The interiors offer plenty of casual spaces for family interactions—including an enclosed courtyard that connects the entertaining and gathering spaces with the two ground floor bedrooms. From here, you can also glimpse one of the red "ears"—a painted concrete awning—that protects the ground floor bedroom windows and adds a bright pop of color to the otherwise natural tones of the interior.

Photo by Bureaux

See the full story on Dwell.com: This Seaside Holiday Home in South Africa Is Built for the Ages
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