The building- a very ugly 80’s face brick with spectacular views of Hout Bay on Cape Town, needed lots of love.
The building was gutted inside and opened up to create a free flowing open plan style. A simple cement screed floor finish was added throughout, bringing in a flow and a sense of space between all of the living areas. A large wooden deck was added to the front area with a small pool. Ceilings and walls were painted white with a deep blue wall in the entrance area to bring in a sense of depth. The walls and the ceilings were all painted white to open up the space even further.
With a limited budget- floating cement shelves were added in the kitchen area with open shelves.
Bathrooms were gutted and simplified. Bedrooms opened up and views became the heroes as every bedroom has spectacular mountain and sea views.
In the exterior, the face brick was rough plastered and the detailing of the architraves around all of the doors and windows added for interest and contrast. The walls and the roof were painted in the same colour to give the building an identity and a sense of place as a seaside cottage.
The clients personal collection of interesting art and colourful textiles and carpets really stood out in the spaces. The old and new, collected, soulful and quirky pieces all combined to give a sense of story. With Five bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, study, kitchen and scullery,e a guest suite with its own living room and kitchen, this large family home became a place to celebrate. A place for friends and family to gather. The hero of the home became the beautiful views and the sense of place in Hout Bay. A colourful indigenous garden completed the picture.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, the market value of this previously very dull and sad home was doubled.
All in all a very gratifying project.