Old meets New House

Our musician client asked us to turn a neglected 100-year-old house into a bright, open and tranquil environment for both working and living. The main design strategy was to connect the Victorian house to the outside spaces. A previously unused west-facing outdoor space was transformed into an "outside room" screened from the street, protected from the weather with dramatic views to Devil's Peak. Large openings from the living area lead onto a new veranda, a pool with timber decking and screens, planting, entertainment area and built-in seating which completes the new heart of the house. As architects we worked hard to establish a harmonious interplay between the contemporary design ethos and the historic fabric of the house, so the dwelling now has a sense of history while at the same time it suits a modern lifestyle.