Overview
Description: In 2014 APS were commissioned to design a cluster housing complex for a private client in an exclusive suburb of Newlands, Harare.
Challenge: The clients brief to us was to maintain the existing homestead, and optimise and masterplan the rest of the site for as many 3 bedroomed cluster houses as possible – Each dwelling to measure in the region of 200m2 gross building area. We were tasked with laying out each individual dwelling for optimum solar orientation, views of the adjacent golf course, as well as maintaining as many trees as possible.
Solution: Our solution was a compact layout with open plan kitchen, dining and living area to the one side of the house, and bedroom wing to the other. A covered veranda extends towards the garden and provides optimum orientation in all seasons. A split level roof with exposed beams enhances the internal size and volume, whilst clerestorey windows allow indirect light into the living areas, master bedroom and internalised passage.