Overview

Description: In 2017 APS were commissioned by the Client to design a new residential dwelling, on a site within the hilly suburbs of Glen Lorne, Harare.

Challenge: The site had spectacular views, but was particularly small with an existing terrace that had been chiselled out of the hill, by the former owner. Access to the site was via a steep driveway that had been partially eroded over many years of neglect, and the views were to principally to the south and west and not optimally oriented. Our challenge was to fit in a four bedroom house onto a relatively small footprint, and maximise views to living areas, but mitigate against solar gain in the late afternoon. Aesthetically our brief was to study Tuscan living but to reinterpret it in a modern way that was context specific.

Solution: The client identified with the raw nature of the site, and was enticed by the idea of rustic materials and interior spaces that blurred the line between inside and outside. The entire ground floor of the house is given over to collective living and entertaining, and the kitchen acts as lobby between the dining room and smart lounge - all have been oriented toward the broad south western views. A covered double height veranda offers occupants the option to relax and entertain beneath shaded canopy, whilst a double height pergola covers a second terrace, and offers occupants a sunnier external experience depending on the season. Low western light is screened by adjustable vertical sun screens. Access from the car port is directly into the kitchen via the scullery, and stairs allow access up to the first floor bedroom zone, and then finally to the second floor private lounge and TV room. The second floor is connected to the indigenous Msasa tree grove, by means of a north facing deck, where a fire pit and seating area is planned.