A few thoughts around the notion of presence.

A corner site in Camps Bay with an existing double storey house to be altered and refurbished.

A unique geographical presence abundant in exquisite focal and special points to view is to be found here; - from mountain cliffs and walls, green- brown foothills interrupted by massive rock formations, sunlight and the sea. The project reuses and efficiently alters the existing structure to maximize the internal living spaces’ flow and unveil the surrounding views.

Once the interior is resolved, the conceptual intent is to create a unique urban relation to ‘anchor’ the experience of the place to the neighborhood. The substance of the interior and the existing structural conditions determines the overall house’s massing and form, which in proportions relates more to a granite boulder rather than lightness.

The house position within the site allows a big portion of this to remain as a garden, contained by a new boundary wall. This boundary wall in its resolution regulates the privacy and visibility of the property when inside as well as from the outside.

The relation of the house, garden and boundary wall culminates in a cared-for sidewalk given by our client to the pedestrians who pass by.