B A N H O E K

Residence ​Proposal in Banhoek, Stellenbosch

2009

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The footprint of the double storey Banhoek Long House is long and narrow.  The proposal positions the house immediately adjacent to the existing and available farm access road in order to reduce and minimise encroachment on the surrounding arable land.

 

The main long facade maximises both the short and close views of the vineyards and the long view of the surrounding and distant mountains.

 

The ground floor plane accommodates social and living spaces, garages, staff quarters, stores and enclosed garden courtyards which provide sheltered and private space within the landscape whilst also providing for indoor and outdoor spatial continuity.

 

The proposal separates accommodation into two ‘blocks’ – a single storey garages and stores block and a double storey block containing house functions.  The ‘blocks’ are placed on a cut and fill platform, and are separated from one another by a courtyard containing a pool and outdoor terrace

 

Vertical circulation truncates the double storey block of the house, and is expressed as a visual gap allowing for views through the building.

 

The private spaces are proposed at the upper level only.  Each bedroom opens onto a continuous external veranda.  Full height shutters protect the floor to ceiling glass walls and doors at both levels in the north facade.

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