African project
Port Elizabeth house – South Africa
elevated
in nature
DMV Architecture recently tackled a home on a sloping site
in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Sarah Lucas explains to
African Design Magazine how they succeeded in meeting the
brief as well as keeping within the tight budget.
Can you tell us more about DMV Architecture?
DMV Architecture aims for continuous development within the office
through the exploration of space making, we take great pride in the
buildings we produce. Our architecture is rooted in modernist planning
principles but which is expressed in a timeless aesthetic. We believe
Architecture is a part of the environment and needs to be developed
through the careful design and consideration of the surrounding context,
this is achieved by understanding, exploring and implementing the
fundamental principles that result in good design. We believe that a
successful building will evoke a sense of emotion upon the user, that will
automatically showcase the hierarchy of the space, thereby creating a
feeling of fulfilment, not only for the architect, but even more so for our
clients.
What was the brief for this particular project?
A house for a retiring couple who wished to be elevated with nature
and for the house to comprise of a single main bedroom with living and
kitchen amenities. A guest suite also needed to be incorporated for their
visiting children. Other than these specifics they were happy to leave the
brief open for interpretation, however, the budget was non-negotiable at
R1.5 million.
What work did DMV Architecture perform?
Due to budget constraints, especially with a sloping site of such
magnitude, DMV Architecture was appointed not only as Architect, but
were responsible to oversee all construction works which included
project management together with the task of contractor. DMV separated
all works into manageable packages which were put out to tender and
managed in house. The site was part of a larger residential erf which had
been subdivided.
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africandesignmagazine.com