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BEACHHOUSES
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Alain Proust
Sumien Brink
Alma Viviers
Date
08 February 2010
Architect Wynand Wilsenach's award-winning progeny is a beach house in
Bloubergstrand that prevails without pretence against wind and weather,
creating a calm space where a couple entertain their extended family.
Wynand Wilsenach's architecture practice
walked away with a prestigious prize
the very first time it submitted a project
for the annual South African Institute
of Architects’ (SAIA) Merit Awards.
The certificate for the Blouberg house is
already on display at the office but Wynand is surprisingly modest: "Our architecture isn't really about 'wow'. We hope that what we
do will still be beautiful and relevant to your grandchildren in 20
years' time," he says. "It's a house without lipstick. A home that
will age gracefully."
Despite this absence of adornment, the judging panel agreed that
the house excelled because of the "complementary and consistent
high level of detailing, the controlled yet interesting spatial experience
and the overall contextualisation of the project".
It was precisely Wynand's almost obsessive eye for detail that
initially impressed the owners when they saw how he had restored
a family member's home.
"He carefully considered the finishing of
every square centimetre of the house: every surface, window and
door, every skirting, light switch and wall plug – even the interior
finishes of the cupboards. He also had a strong opinion about
the garage floor!"
At home in its specific context
Other than excellent detailing, Wynand believes each building
should look and feel at home on its site and in its specific context.
This is why he chose materials that echo the seaside environment:
stone, sand, shells and wood.
Black crusher stone replicating the
rocks on the beach was used for the garden walls and main entrance,
creating the impression that the beach continues onto the property.
The exterior of the house is covered in Australian jarrah wood that
will attain the same silver-grey patina of driftwood over time, while a
special plastering technique using finely ground seashells creates the
look of a sandcastle.
"I saw the plastering technique years ago in Herolds Bay. Back
then, houses were built with sand taken from the beach. As time
passed, the wind and weather exposed the little shells it contained,"
he explains.
"Today, however, it isn't that easy to use beach sand
for building. You need a permit and the process is monitored by
an environmentalist."
A fort against wind and weather
Wynand also designed the house as a fort against the wild wind
and weather for which the Cape of Storms is known. "As a youngster
I spent many days surfing at Blouberg and so I know just how
strong the wind can get," he says.
The solid home was therefore
given a hollow inside to create a protected courtyard (including a
deck and braai area), complete with a roof that opens and closes. This means the occupants can enjoy the space regardless of the
weather and it allows for plentiful light in the heart of the home
– the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space – where the owners
spend most of their time.
The colours and textures of the house's surroundings are continued
inside. The floors, ceilings, stairs, doors and kitchen counters are all
made of sand-coloured larch wood while the spacious bathrooms
were finished with the distinctive seashell plaster and wood.
The sleek architecture is complemented by superb interior design
by David Strauss.
"David is one of the few who truly understands
and works with three dimensions in architecture," says Wynand. "He understands how space works and doesn't try to compete
with the building."
Decor supports the bones of the house
David allowed himself to be led by the architecture and aimed to support the home's good bone structure with his work. "The house
already had a strong identity, so we built on that," he explains. "I wanted to create a sound foundation for the owners that
would develop with time as they made each room more lived-in.
And, because it's a beach house, comfort was a top priority."
Accents of dirty green and blue break the otherwise neutral
palette and botanical elements can be detected here and there.
"For me, it's always about creating a mood," says David. "I don't
walk around with colour cards as I choose materials and fabrics.
Instead I pick pieces that fall within the same emotional spectrum
rather than colours that are an exact match – this gives the interior
a more organic feel."
The owners concur: "We didn't want a showy house. The focus
had to be on the ocean and the view of Table Mountain, not on the
house itself. We wanted a seaside home that mirrored something
of the (now mostly lost) unspoilt beauty of the West Coast. A home
where you feel you can kick off your shoes, where you can come to
rest, visit with friends and family, and play with grandchildren."
Wynand acknowledges that this is exactly why he loves building homes, even though it's ordinarily a slow process that can easily
take up to two years to complete. "If you're going to build a house,
it should improve your relationships with friends and family," he
smiles.
"When you're done with it, your friends and children should
be happier with you, and you with them. At the office, we always
say, 'We do it for the joy it brings', because the finished product
must be a pleasure to use. The last thing on our minds is the need
to impress."
Wynand Wilsenach Architects:
021 424 3230
www.w2.co.za
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