South Africa 2005: Utopia. Nowhere. Close.

House 89 : ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO RESIDENCE
Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa - Mark van Eeden Architect

No.89 is situated in the popular urban enclave of Parkhurst in Johannesburg’s Northern suburbs. The Client purchased a typical detached house built during the period 1945 – 8 for returning World War II servicemen, and wished to create an urban utopia. The original structure, on 500m2, with brick walls and corrugated roof was retained to blend in with adjacent houses and a regular street grid. Internal walls were removed to create a spacious entrance & living room. Outbuildings in the north garden were demolished to create a courtyard space with swimming pool, sliding timber deck, outside dining area and landscaping, accessed from the living room, main bedroom and bathroom. To the south of the house, new walls create a private courtyard from a guest bedroom and study. The existing east side space is used for services and dining light & vent well. The original driveway to the west accommodates the main entrance and guest parking and is accessed through large Corten gates. Frameless, toughened glass sliding doors from all interior spaces link seamlessly to the outside. Smooth, natural blond plastered interior walls provide a calm and neutral setting for furniture and art. The living room east wall is finished in dark chocolate and extends into the north and south courtyards. Exterior walls are finished in a textured cement paint.